That's right, for the next 60-90 days depending on where you are and what you want to propagate, this is the season for budding. Budding involves removing a bud from a bud stick and inserting it in the seedling understock growing in the ground. One absolute requirement is that the bark on the understock must slip when cut, you must be able to slide the bud under the bark. That's why it is done now when the understock is actively growing.

Budding is practiced for fruit trees, roses, flowering trees (ie dogwood) and shade tree clones that you want to propagate. Advantage #1 no need for prop house or cold frame, the operation is done entirely in the field. Advantage #2 stocky, thrifty, ready to sell plants on well-defined root system at the end of the second season. Advantage #3 many plants from just one bud stick because you only use a single bud.

Lins Rooijakkers has a couple of youtubes, I linked one below. Such good quality demos are a rarity on the internet. There's no camera around when the propagators are working.

T-budding involves removing the bit of wood behind the bud. Notice how Lins draws the knife toward him, this way he has greater control and accuracy. If you ever see a demo where the knife is pushed away from the grafter, scroll on by.

Notice how Lins uses both hands while working. He never puts the budstick or the knife down. Imagine preforming this operation 1000 times before lunch. This is done every day in the US mostly by Hispanic workers but noone is around with the camera. When I learned to do this we stood with our backs bend over and became familiar with the phrase: "dos ojos abajo, un ojo arriba" LOL, you learn that one on the first day.

There is a variety of films and tapes that can be used to bind the bud. Nothing more is done until the following winter when the top of the understock is cut, all the new growth is forced into the bud, if all goes well you have a beautiful plant by the end of the second season.

Notice the whet stone at the end of the youtube. This is ever present when you are grafting or budding.

Now you understand why if a deer or rabbit ventures into that field it is a gonner! T Budding demonstration