Fruit Tree Grafting - Ask Extension
Hello, I am looking to save a 35+ year old old apple tree by grafting. I am baby beginner but know a little bit. I have a lot of questions if taking a...
Knowledgebase
Fruit Tree Grafting #924397
Asked February 09, 2026, 10:30 PM EST
Hello, I am looking to save a 35+ year old old apple tree by grafting. I am baby beginner but know a little bit. I have a lot of questions if taking a scion and graft to root stock is a good way or to get an already mature tree/root ball and graft a few limbs over the next couple of years. I would appreciate even asking bigger question about a small orchard placement and varieties that work well together. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!
Le Sueur County Minnesota
Expert Response
What you are thinking about is really not a practical project. Is your apple tree diseased or damaged or just no longer producing apples. I don't think you would be happy with the result. Here is a link about grafting. https://extension.unh.edu/resource/growing-fruit-grafting-fruit-trees-home-orchard-fact-sheet You should consider purchasing a tree of the variety you want. You can later consider grafting different varieties onto your growing and healthy tree. Also, consider how you would care for several trees, protecting them from critters and insect problems with the fruit. Consider having a couple trees and taking care of them .
