We have an annual grafting work shop. This year Kanemi demonstrated the grafting of a Yatsabusa Pine shoot to a Black Pine. This is an effective way to get a Yatsabusa Pine noted for it's Short needles.
The first step is to make a fresh long diagonal cut on the stem of the shoot. Followed by a second short cut on the reverse side of the shoot. The cut end of the shoot is held in the mouth to keep it damp until you you are ready to graft it.
The next step is to make a diagonal cut close to the root on the Black Pine.
The shoot is now inserted at the base of the Black Pine. One side of the cambiun layer of the long cut of the shoot is aligned with cambiun layer of the the base of the tree (not the flap). Only one side of the cambiun layers can be aligned because the tree is much wider than the shoot. Here the cambian layers are aligned on the left side so you can see the white strip of the tree on the right.
Now a rubber band is wrapped around the shoot and tree, and tied. This rubber band will hold the shoot in place while it grows to the tree.
Finally the tree is placed back in the container, watered very well, and tented with a plastic bag. A rubber band is used to hold the plastic bag.
Your tree is kept under you bonsai bench or in a shaded area until October. No watering will be required while the plastic bag is over the tree. As water that evaporates will condense on the plastic and return to the soil. When you see new buds growing on the shoot the bag can be removed. Keep the tree in the shade and start watering as you do your other plants. When the buds begin to mature you can place the tree in the sun.
When your graft looks strong and healthy you can cut off the Black Pine at the base of the shoot.
