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Plant apple trees that are known to grow well in your area. Opt to purchase rootstock in place of seedlings. Plant rootstock in pots until you are ready to use it. Ensure your rootstock and scion will be compatible in diameter. Buy several root stocks at once.
The rootstock must be hardy in your area.  You can plant an apple tree from seedling to use as rootstock, but you will have to wait several years to create a sturdy plant. Rootstock must be suited to your climate and local insects. Ask your local nursery about purchasing rootstock. This is the best way to ensure your type of rootstock is well suited to grafting. Discuss the varieties of scion that work well with the type of rootstock you buy when you purchase the stock from the nursery. Keep it moist, in cool conditions through the winter. Although rootstock is sold when it is a few years old, it can be purchased just before you graft. The diameters of the branches have to match; however a graft with a thinner scion might be successful, as well. Grafting success increases with practice, so you may need to cut several scion and rootstock branches before you are successful.