Forcing buds

[Eric Kimball]

Is there a way to force the bud on my newly bud grafted tree without cutting off the head of the tree? Perhaps some nearby girdling?

[kumin]

Notching the bark approximately an inch directly above the bud, and continuing around 1/3 to 1/2 of the circumference of the rootstock will often promote bud break. Partially cutting through the rootstock above the bud graft and bending it lower than the bud will also promote bud break.

[pagnr]

Yes bending the top of the stock over, so that the inserted bud is closer to the highest point. The neighbouring stock buds will also activate, including on the bend. You need to brush off any stock shoots that pop out. Or you can nip out the bud eyes on the stock, so that the inserted bud gets the growth. This may help for lazy buds.