Growth below the graft line. My tree is growing below the graft line. What should I do?

If your tree has growth below the graft line... You need to remove (cut out with scissors) any of the new growth below the graft line.

What is Grafting?

Grafting involves joining a piece of a mature tree (scion or budwood) to a seedling (rootstock). The scion becomes the new trunk and branches of the tree and the rootstock becomes the root system. Grafting is the method of propagation for a lot of tropical trees, like mangos, avocados, mameys, jackftuits, and many others.

Any growth below the graft line is part of the scion or budwood, meaning it is not the variety that you purchased, but rather the same cultivar as the scion.

In the case of mangos, the most common scion variety is Turpentine Mango.

In the case of avocados, the most common scion variety is Waldin Avocado.

In some cases, the rootstock may not survive, but the scion does. In this case, you no longer have a viable grafted tree, and in most cases, consider discarding the tree.

Since,

You have to wait several years (7-10) for fruit production.
Your tree will produce the less desirable fruit of the scion variety.

Updated on: 04/10/2023