Problems of using Copper and Aluminum Wire

[Scott Martin]

I was just wondering if anyone has had any issues of using both copper and aluminum wire at the same time on a tree.

I've heard there can be a reaction but I was curious as to whether it has killed the tree. If it was killed was it deciduous or coniferous?

[Rod]

Mate I have been using both together for years and never had any problems... CHEERS ROD..

[craigw60]

Hi Ron,
Everyone will tell you something different on this one and you will end up totally confused. I only use aluminum wire because I am tight and like to take it off for re use. Neither of these products will cause any health issues for your trees in my experience.
Craig

[dayne]

i have used both the only effect is the copper discolours a bit weird
you could have problems if left for years together but it would be cutting in that would get you first

[Jamie]

i have had wire react with each other to form a powdery green residue, a bit like the powder you get on car battery terminals sometimes, being green it was the copper that had reacted. i would have to say though i dont see it being a massive problem because even with the powder residue it even if it got in to the medium and some how the roots were able to take it in it would be in trace minute elements and i dont see it killing the tree.

on another note i am just like craig abit with the cost for alloy wire and re using it as it is softer and more readily available, if i had access to copper wire and it was for a reason i needed it for its stiffer attributes i would use it.


jamie

[dayne]

im a builder so have access to heaps of copper but its to stiff and quite hard on the plant i preffer alloy but horses for courses kimura for instance uses copper but aneiled

[Jamie]

dayne, if you have access to copper of different sizes it is easy to anneal it, if you have a fire pit or something similar throw it in the fire for 5 minutes or so, then take it out and let it cool. this will anneal the copper and make it more maluable.

jamie

[lindsay farr]

When I was in Japan filming the pine trunk thickening technique of leaving the wire on the tree, I asked if they preffered aluminium or copper. I was surprised when the Chief of the Shikoku bonsai community said that they preferred iron wire. This was because iron was more stable than the other types.
I reacted with dissapointment as I have a considerable quantity of pines with copper or aluminium wire cutting in deeply.
The chief shrugged and said, "it's no big deal, they will be fine"
enough said.
Cheers
Lindsay

[Jamie]

so in what you are saying lindsay that it doesnt matter what sort of wire is used as long as it does the job, this is what the chief said basically yes?


jamie

[Joel]

Jamie is right. They are both fine by them selves, but together, a reaction will take place. And it is like a battery in that it produces a current too. You are essentially making an electrochemical cell. See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrochemical_cell

Joel.

[lindsay farr]

Yes, I have seen copper and aluminium wire react when they come together. So long as the wire is removed before it cuts in to the tree, I don't see any problems.
When John Naka wrote 200 pages on proper wiring he concluded, "the most important aspect of wiring is that it makes the branch grow in the desired direction"
Cheers
Lindsay