I've waited to identify several fruiting branches on my key lime. I want to graft a branch onto my orange tree. I have to give up the key lime due to space considerations in the greenhouse.

Can I graft a larger, longer branch onto the orange retaining all the leaves? And does the branch of the orange past the graft have to go if and after the graft takes? I was hoping to avoid taking a small, thin piece from the tip or removing any leaves from the scion. Thanks! J

I don't think a graft with a lot of leaves left on it will survive--you just can't get enough support through the connection until it has healed.

If you want to keep the existing limb beyond a bud graft (T-bud or chip bud), that is possible. If your bud takes, you can force the bud using the tie down method or the notch method without removing the limb beyond the graft.

If you select a limb that is horizontal or pointing downward and place the bud on the highest point, the bud may break without any forcing required. I have had that happen a couple times.

If you have a branch near the ground you can root the entire branch by notching it and burying ithe notched portion, then place a weighted object on top to keep it in place/ This would only have value if the mother tree was a mature grafted tree. . - Millet

You need to remove all leaves before attempting cleft or whip grafts. No more than 3 buds as well and not the current growth flush. See http://members.fortunecity.com/pjsauber/index.html for more info.