Success StoryFruit Tree Grafting



Fruit Tree Grafting

Author: Robert Brockman

Planning Unit: Boone County CES

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Plan of Work: Improving Home Lawns, Landscapes, Flowers, Home Gardens, and Orchards

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Raising a fruit orchard in the backyard is a common desire. In fact, in the spring of 2023, information on starting a fruit orchard has been the second most sought after horticulture information at the Boone County Extension Office, only beaten by those concerned about evergreen plants damaged by the winter storm. 


While many people start home orchards, very few understand how to take care of that orchard. Many orchards that are planted are never pruned or sprayed with fungicides or insecticides. Because of this knowledge gap, a program was offered to teach clients how to properly prune apple, pear, plum, and peach trees in the home orchard. Some of the skills that were taught include sharpening hand tools, which tool is right for the cut, three point cuts on heavy branches, what the different parts of a tree are (what a fruiting spur is), central leader pruning, open center pruning (peach trees), and staking of fully dwarf trees. During the program, attendees were given the opportunity to prune apple and pear trees under the supervision of the instructor. To best use the orchard's resources, apple shoots were saved from the pruning to be used for apple grafting classes in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties.


The program was attended by fifteen members of the community and five or these attendees completed surveys. These five attendees gave the highest mark on the scale (0-5) for all of the categories evaluated. Through conversation during and after the class, most attendees were interested in pruning apple and pear trees. Feedback also indicated that it would be helpful to give a pruning demonstration on a mature and overgrown orchard.






Stories by Robert Brockman


Planting for Pollinators

about 4 months ago by Robert Brockman

Insects are required for 75% of crop pollination and 80% of wild plant pollination. However, insect ... Read More


Brighton Center Recovery Garden Grant

about 4 months ago by Robert Brockman

The Brighton Recovery Center is designed for women who have have had issues with substance abuse. Fo... Read More


Stories by Boone County CES


4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games

4-H Summer Camp is More Than Fun and Games

about 4 months ago by Cathy Fellows

4-HSummer Camp is More Than Fun and GamesA typical 5-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of96 hourso... Read More


Teens embarking on a new journey......4-H Teen Conference

Teens embarking on a new journey......4-H Teen Conference

about 4 months ago by Cathy Fellows

Teen Conference 2024Success StoryThe 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the Uni... Read More