re-grafting chestnut crab apples? - Ask Extension
Dear Master Gardener,
We have an apple tree on our property in the Perham, MN area that was grafted with chestnut crab apples many years ago. Unfor...
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re-grafting chestnut crab apples? #934770
Asked June 09, 2026, 9:05 AM EDT
Dear Master Gardener,
We have an apple tree on our property in the Perham, MN area that was grafted with chestnut crab apples many years ago. Unfortunately the branches have broken off in the last few years and the tree is in need of some maintenance and re-grafting. I have two main questions:
1. Is there an orchard in the area that can provide apple grafting services for the chestnut crab specifically? The closest apple orchard I know of is the Maple Hills Orchard in Frazee, MN but they don't include chestnut crabs in their list of cultivars.
2. What time of year is best to graft a tree? If it's too late for this year that's fine, I would just like to know when it should be scheduled.
Thank you!
Otter Tail County Minnesota
Expert Response
The best time for grafting is April and May.
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/b40fa58c-0a33-42b1-a4c4-a28b78326610/content
Extension does not have a list of grafting services. One option would to buy a bare root or sapling for grafting material after it grows a bit.
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/b40fa58c-0a33-42b1-a4c4-a28b78326610/content
Extension does not have a list of grafting services. One option would to buy a bare root or sapling for grafting material after it grows a bit.
