Left: Proof that this was only
one season's growth. Notice that there are no growth
rings, and the remains of the graft are clearly seen with the
black grafting tar on both sides of the scionwood. It was
planted on M7 rootstock.
At this point there was still a bit of bark
and cambium left on the back and it probably would have been OK
if I had left it alone. But when I tried to straighten it
up and stake it that last little bit snapped.
I should have known that a tree growing this
fast would be weaker and needed staking against the 40-60 MPH
winds we commonly have in the fall. It was top heavy and
the little bamboo training stick didn't give much support.
Live and learn I guess.
So what's our secret to hyper growth like
this? We didn't feed them anything, and we planted
them in plain dirt. We do have fertile soil, as our house
used to be a walnut grove. But I don't get nearly this
much growth from the bare-root or potted trees we plant- only
the benchgrafts. I have to attribute it to our long season
and starting with benchgrafts with an intact root system.
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