Bending and Twisting using the Drill-Out technique

[kcpoole]

I have a Japanese maple with a 1 1/2 inch boring straight trunk that I drilled several holes in and Bent a few months ago

I did not use any tape or wrapping on it, but is has allowed me to put 2 gentle bends in the trunk to provide interest in it.

Ken

[NBPCA]

Please show us a photo.

Grant

[kcpoole]

Please show us a photo.

Grant

I will not be able to till Thursday at least, but will do so then

Ken

[Grant Bowie]

Please show us a photo.

Grant

I will not be able to till Thursday at least, but will do so then

Ken

Thanks

[Craig]

, All
Thanks Grant for the detailed how to;
I employed the Drill-Out technique yesterday on a JBP that i have had for a while. The Pine had a decent lower trunk but the rest was ordinary to say the least.
It has puzzled me for some time as to what i should do with it, as the middle part of the trunk was fairly hard to bend. Until finally i figured i should go the drillout route.
Originally 450mm high ,i have reduced the height to 300mm and am quietly very happy.

I drilled out along the red lines with a 3/16 drill bit and did like Grant described, then wrapped tight with bike tube then raffia, applied 2 5mm wires and bent the trunk..




Below the tree before i started, in a Mudlark Pot.


After bending,





An Excellent technique, Thanks Again

[Grant Bowie]

Thats an excellent change.

Now you have to leave it alone for a year or so and let it recover. Light candle snapping in spring only.

Grant

[Craig]

Thats an excellent change.

Now you have to leave it alone for a year or so and let it recover. Light candle snapping in spring only.

Grant

Thanks Grant

[Dario]

much much better Craig.
Dario.

[Craig]

cheers Dario

[kcpoole]

Please show us a photo.

Grant

I will not be able to till Thursday at least, but will do so then

Ken

Hi Grant
Only just gotten some pics today
I drilled a row of holes along the trunk about 3 mm diameter But did not open them out inside.

I used a bending jack on the lower bend for a few weeks and then moved it to the upper one. I will leave the wire on as long as I can

Ken

[Grant Bowie]

Looks like you have a bad case of borers there. I hope it recovers well.

Grant

[kcpoole]

Looks like you have a bad case of borers there. I hope it recovers well.

Grant

I hope so too
Will update later in the growing season and let ou know

Ken

[Grant Bowie]

Just updating this thread on the test subject.

8 Cut off unecessary back branch near apex.JPG

Grant

[Andrew F]

I would love to get some bends like that on a mugo i have, why would early-mid summer be the preferred time to try? [nursery man said something briefly]
I was told to let the tree go without a drink for a few days prior as well.

Thank you for the write up. I look forward to seeing this tree in a years time. And possibly trying on my own pine.

[Grant Bowie]

I would love to get some bends like that on a mugo i have, why would early-mid summer be the preferred time to try? [nursery man said something briefly]
I was told to let the tree go without a drink for a few days prior as well.

Thank you for the write up. I look forward to seeing this tree in a years time. And possibly trying on my own pine.

Anytime other than during rampant spring growth is fine and early mid summer would be your first opportunity from now. I often do work just after Xmas as I have the time spare and otherwise autumn or winter is fine.

Spring is dangerous as the bark/cambium layer can come away from the trunk,

Grant