The first step in grafting fruit trees is to gather scion wood, the wood shoot that will be grafted to a growing tree. Peach, cherry and prune wood is best collected in late January, and apple and pear wood in early February. Scion wood should be cut from the whip-like growth on superior quality trees, often found in treetops. Cut scion wood during the dead of winter when the parent tree is dormant. It should be of average vigor and well-hardened.
Wood grown in sunlight is better than wood grown in shade.
Scion wood can range from eight to 18 inches long, whatever length is easiest to store. In addition, it should be free of insects, diseases and frost injury. Smaller or larger wood can be used, but it is more difficult to handle and might not give good results. Store scion wood in a refrigerator until it's needed. Place the wood in a plastic bag along with some moist peat moss.