Cutting viable scions from apple branches pruned several weeks ago?

Hello,

I was wondering if if it would be possible to cut viable scions from apple branches which were pruned from the trees two to three weeks ago? Today is February 10.  My father-in- law finished his pruning earlier this year due to much better weather and then realized he had pruned all of one variety of tree that he had planned to replicate.

The branches have been laying outside in mostly 40 degree daytime weather (in Pennsylvania) with a little sunshine and rain mixed in.  I do think that there were a few days where it might have been close to 60 degrees. There were also several fairly windy days too.

I don't know if the larger part of branch would act as a water reserve for the smaller branches or not.

Thanks for any advice
I appreciate your time.
Regards,
Tim

Nothing is lost by trying it. And if they fail you can regraft them next winter.

Test the branch to see if the buds in the cambium are still green (grreen = viable).

o s

Michael Cox wrote:Nothing is lost by trying it. And if they fail you can regraft them next winter.

Bryant RedHawk wrote:Test the branch to see if the buds in the cambium are still green (grreen = viable).

Thank you Michael and Bryant.

Your replies got me to thinking...could I put some test scions inside in the warm, (in water) and force them to open right now?  I guess that all the scions are waiting for now is a period of warm weather to signal that it's  time to open and grow?  Maybe this won't work but I never would have thought of it if I hadn't read your replies.

If this is a good idea it's because of you.
If it's a bad idea then I'll claim it.. :)

Regards,
Tim

hau Tim, if you want to test some of the branches be sure to trim the butt end at least 3 inches so you get to fresh wood. The cambium layer should feel soft and even moisture should show up on a blotter onto which you have pressed a freshly cut end.
If the wood has dried out completely then they are now fire wood, but it sounds to me like the buds should still have some life in them so that bud grafting would work.

Redhawk