Although usually a spring graft will push within a couple of weeks or even sooner I have had them take some weeks. I don't declare them dead until they shrivel.

In a couple of cases on apple I have had the buds fail to push but healing of the callus to take place anyway- and a dormant bud pushing the next year! These grafts don't shrivel, but they don't go anywhere either until the following year.

I wouldn't be in a hurry to pull the rubberbands, but if you feel a need to check under them you can. You can take a peek and replace the band.

Good luck,

Mark

If the buds on the scion are still nice and "tight" and don't flex easily if you move them side to side with your finger you're ok. But if they flex side to side (like they have no turgor pressure) and feel spongy then redo them. That's how I typically check mine. If they take or not, they will usually push anyway with the stored energy they have available even if they don't fully open you should see some of them start to develop.

Thanks Mark and JRG13. Its good to know there is still hope. This experience reinforced the importance of a long sloping cut with larger diametered wood. I'm pretty sure the cambium contact is less secure with these. I will leave the bands alone as I removed a Lapins band too early last year, making for a fragile connection. I look forward to trying budding.

You will find budding to be a piece of cake. It's easy to get 100% with apples. Chip or T, doesn't seem to matter. Try both and decide which is easier and more fun for you.

Marc