A bud graft is used to asexually propagate stone fruit (peaches, plums, etc.). It also may be used to propagate many other plants. This method has the advantage of using very little scion material (one bud), and survival is usually higher than with other grafting methods. A disadvantage is that it must be done during a brief period in the spring when the bark slips. To make this graft, remove a chip of wood containing a leaf with its axillary bud. Make a T-cut in the stock and clip off the leaf blade, leaving just the petiole (leaf stalk) stub to serve as a convenient handle for manipulating the chip. Next, remove the wood adhering to the bark of the chip. Do not touch the cut areas with fingers--use a knife point. Insert the bark with its bud and petiole into the T-cut. Wrap with rubber budding tape or a suitable substitute. It is not necessary to use grafting wax, nor is it necessary to remove the wood chip. However, removing it reduces bulk and there is a greater area of contact between the two cambium layers.

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