AusBonsai

Hey im just after some info on japanese black pine trunk bends (even branches)that people have done with minimal spring back.. what time period did you leave between applying the bends and removing the bending tool? If you could post the approx trunk/branch diametres that would be helpful..
And did you have any cracks in the bark and did you or did you not use a cut paste or something similer in the crack.
Cheers!

on a tree with good growth, Thumb sized bends will be minimum of a year for my trees.
I did one recently on the trunk of a tree about 1" or more and that will stay with raffia and wire for at least 2 years then I will see.
That bend was a compression bend with a twist as well.

No Paste or anything else was used.

Ken

let the tree dry out slightly and its real bendy at this time of year.

Brian wrote:let the tree dry out slightly and its real bendy at this time of year.

I was recently told that I should let a tree dry out a touch before wiring, as they are more flexible at this time. I take it this info was correct then Brian?

Plants use water to remain turgid (stiff). When they are a bit shy on the H2O, the cell walls become a bit more flexible and are therefore easier to bend. Too dry and a plant wilts.
Thus ends the botany lesson - one of the few things that I remember from way back in the day.