For side or bark grafting split the bark with a sharp knife for about two inches where the graft is to be set. Cut your scions with about two buds. Slope the scion all from one side with a long slope so it will fit well to the wood or cambium layer; then trim off a little of the outer bark on the outside lower edge of the scion, just enough to expose the cambium so it will come in contact with the inner side of the bark on the tree.
If the wedge graft is used, take a long bladed knife (a corn knife will do) set it sloping on the cut off stock and make a clean cut through the bark first so it will split straight, then raise the handle of the knife and drive the blade into the wood, splitting it as deep as needed, depending on the size of the scion and insert a wooden wedge made from some hard wood. An old broom or hoe handle is good, tapering the wedge from both sides, leaving it thick in the center so it will come out easily after the graft is set by simply tapping lightly from first one side and then the other. In cutting the scion slope from each side with a long slope to fit the split in the stub. The outer edge of the scion should be somewhat thicker than the inner edge so that when the wedge is taken out it will be held firm. Be very careful to see that the cambium of the scion and tree meet on each edge of the scion. Pack all large cracks with tissue paper and wax thoroughly.
As soon as the grafts are set, cover the entire wound with grafting wax, being careful to cover the top of the stub well and the sides as far down as the bark is split, and the upper end of the scion. Then place a paper sack over the stub to prevent evaporation and leave this on until the scions start into growth. We do not use any tying material on large limbs because the bark is thick enough to hold the graft in place. However, on smaller trees it will be important to wrap the grafts well.
The best grafting wax we have found is composed of the following:
Four pounds resin, one pound beeswax, one-half pint linseed oil and one tablespoon of lampblack. Melt all together and apply with a paint brush, being careful not to have the wax too hot.
After new growth starts watch it closely every week or ten days and keep all suckers removed until the scion starts into growth. Wherever grafts fail to start the suckers may be left to grow for budding later.