A group in San Francisco is covertly grafting fruit-bearing branches to non-fruit bearing public trees. The group believes that the urban trees can produce much more than just leaves and flowers.
Their aim is to turn the entire city into an orchard to provide fruits to its residents free of charge.
The group identifies themselves as ‘Guerrilla Grafters.’ The strategy behind going guerrilla is to avoid any confrontation with civic authorities because grafting is illegal. Fruit-bearing trees are forbidden on the public land because fallen fruit is considered a slip hazard and they can attract pests and rodents. Also, depending upon the grafting, it might run afoul of patent law.
Although city officials think the group is breaking the law, promoters of urban agriculture appreciate what they are doing.
Let’s hope that someday, the ornamental trees of our cities provide free fresh fruits, accessible to all.
