I have read that in this instance that people can do two grafts. The native variety being the most hardy and strongest rooting, then a short intermediary piece which can bridge between the native and fruiting varieties. Can anyone assist? Or know someone who can? I have cut down a large native cherry and would like to graft lapins and stella to the sprouts which are sure to come up this spring. "example taken from plum/almond stone fruit grafting" - " Also (and this is where the fun starts) most fruit trees in the Prunus genus are sometimes compatible with each other: almonds, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums all are compatible for grafting, but occasionally it's complicated. For example, some plum rootstock is not compatible with peaches or nectarines; and some almonds require an intermediate step before grafting onto some plum rootstocks."

You might like to try Prunus mume, look how many kinds they have at the Raulston Arboretum. Here is a link that might be useful: Raulston Arboretum Search Result

My problem solver book states the solutions for Canker are (I'll list them all): First The Cause: Cause: Bleeding canker is a fungal disease that enters through damaged tree roots. *Prune branches and limit watering and fertilizing. If serious call a professional. *Prune and destroy infected branches, cutting well below canker. Sterilize cutting tools afterward. *Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid fertilizing until the tree recovers. *In extreme cases, have a professional apply systemic fungicide. Canker: Lesions several feet long form on the trunk and major limbs of a tree. The cankers secrete a fluid that looks like a blood stain when dry. Affected branches wilt and die back, weakening the tree. READER'S DIGEST - 'The Garden Problem Solver' The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide For Successful Gardening; General Books; ISBN: 0-7621-0140-7 I find no information regarding transference of canker except on grafted trees where the scionwood already had the virus. Or where infected tools would spread the virus. A systemic fungicide application only makes sense however. Dax P.s. About three years ago I planted a Beech where a mature Red Maple once stood but got struck by lightening and although the stump was ground low a few years after the occurance, there was still quite a bit of rotting material only a few feet below. The Beech was never effected in these regards.

Two common diseases are brown rot and bacterial canker. Contact your county's Extension service office to ask about your trees. Locate your county's office with this map http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/ Here is a link that might be useful: locate your county's Extension Service office