Grafting with three laminated cuts per graft

[Scott Roxburgh]

Apparently this technique is used at Chikugo-en in LA, by the Ishii family.

I have been to the nursery, and have to say that the grafting was done quite well, a number of them you couldn't tell that the tree was grafted. I had not heard of this technique before and did not know that the Ishii family used it.

I'd be interested in any thoughts others might have, and also if anyone has tried it?




This is my understanding of the process:

Graft 1.jpg

Graft 2.jpg

Graft 3.jpg

Graft 4.jpg

I am looking forward to giving it a go in late winter.

Chikugo-en links:
http://walter-pall-travelogues.blogspot ... go-en.html
http://bonsaibark.com/2013/03/16/grafti ... aru-ishii/

[mtarros]

I'm only new to grafting but that is interesting he also put the scion upside-down from how I was shown.

I'm guessing the three cuts give a smother join as they will spread more making it thinner.

I'll have to try that one out also.

[treeman]

Hi Scott,
This was mentioned in an article in Bonsai Today a few years back. From what I understand the theory is that by cutting 2 or 3 times it is easier to make the last cut cleaner and smoother because you don't have to force the knife as much.
My opinion: (for what it's worth), easy to make a mistake by removing a whole sliver of wood and in most cases, unnecessary. Also Fred's claim that it will heal faster is, I believe, wrong. I see no reason why it should heal any faster (or slower) All the cuts will heal at the same time. It may help when grafting onto old or hard wood.