Zone 4 apple grafting timing - Ask Extension
Rabbits have completely girdled the rootstock on an apple. I plan on grafting bridges from rootstock to scion. Do i do that now in February or do i w...
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Zone 4 apple grafting timing #924610
Asked February 15, 2026, 3:16 PM EST
Rabbits have completely girdled the rootstock on an apple. I plan on grafting bridges from rootstock to scion. Do i do that now in February or do i wait until the sap is running. I plan on pruning off branches to harvest grafting material from now.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for your question for Extension Master Gardeners. I'm sorry your rootstock was girdled by the rabbits. We have noticed a lot of rabbit damage this year on many shrubs and small trees.
According to this information from Iowa State University Extension, do-it-yourself scion collecting should take place in late February or early March when the tree is dormant:
Whip and Tongue Grafting of Apple Trees | Yard and Garden
The actual grafting should take place in early spring or around April. Here is another helpful article from New Hampshire Extension:
Good luck to you and hoping your remedy will help your apple tree.
