Do not trap air in the polyethylene bag because it will create excess heat which damages the graft (figure 14).

Aftercare. Remove all ties, the polyethylene bag and the foil 4 to 6 weeks after the graft has taken.

Keep vegetative growth on the stock plant in check. Many new branches will appear on the stock below the graft. Maintain some of these branches to keep the tree healthy; however, the stock branches must not become dominant or exceed the height of the scion. Remove the growing tips of the stock branches several times during the growing season. Removing the tips causes the stock to have a trashy or bushy appearance, but it helps the tree develop and increases its diameter and overall vigor. After 2 to 3 years when the scion is strong, remove all "trashy" branches below the scion and remove all but one shoot to form the trunk.