Using Rubber Bands to Graft

[DrTolhur]

Got a few questions regarding use of rubber bands when grafting:

1. Is there any benefit to using rubber bands in addition to grafting tape? I've been using both, but maybe it's overkill.
2. If only one is necessary, and practical benefits to one over the other (besides preference of which you prefer to work with)?
3. If using rubber bands, does it matter much which you use? I know there are special ones for grafting, but is there any reason to not just use any ol' one I find around the house (since I'm not doing hundreds)?

 

[Pitoon]

You can use grafting tape, rubber bands, or both.

The most important thing is cambium contact, next would be to keep the graft dry and moisture out. Grafting tape keeps the graft dry and moisture out, but depending on the type of grafting method you are using you may not have optimum cambium contact.

Rubber bands can do it all.... keep the graft dry, moisture out, and provide additional pressure for cambium contact. But you need to really stretch and overlap as you wrap. You can use normal office rubber bands 1/4" wide, but they will break down pretty fast as they are not UV stable. They can last about a month out in the elements, usually that's enough time for the scion and rootstock to join. They sell UV stable grafting rubber bands that can last a little longer if you need more time.

I use both just to be sure. It takes less than a minute to wrap a rubber band and I appreciate the additional pressure it provides.

 

[DrTolhur]

Oh, interesting. It looks like you wrap the rubber band outside the grafting tape, eh? I've always done the rubber band first, then tape over that.

 

[Shibui]

Tape by itself is effective. That's all I use. I still prefer the older style plastic grafting tape which is stronger so it can compress the graft union and hold it together like the rubber band does.
One advantage of rubber band is they are more elastic so will stretch as the stock and graft expand. I need to keep an eye on plastic wrapped grafts and cut the tape before it starts to strangle the trunk.
Last few years I've been trying parafilm grafting tape but it is not as strong so i keep braking it while applying. It also breaks down in sunlight. Sometimes before the graft is properly healed.