AusBonsai

Here is my entry into the Literati, new stock competition. It is a Juniper Chinensis 'Robusta Green' . Cost $12.00
I chose this tree because it has already got some movement in the lower trunk and has lots of branches to chose from. I was 800mm high , the trunk thickness ranges from 30mm at the base to 20mm 3/4 of the way up the tree. This is the very first time I have ever wrapped a tree to bend and I have no experience with this style at all. At this stage I have left quite a lot of foliage on the tree. I used wet cotton binding tape to wrap the tree and 4 x 2.5mm galv wire rods for support. Everything seemed to go well, though I am not sure if this is the correct procedure. Worked for me so I am happy. How long do I need to leave it wrapped and supported by the wire rods ?

If it worked for you then that is all that matter's. You have also pasted this information on which is even better.
As for how long you leave it on How long is a piece of string watch for it biting in to the trunk and branches.

Good start
cheers Pup

Hey Bustadog, you will need to leave it on for 3 months at least, checking all the time for the wire cutting into the bark. I probably would say you will have to do this process once or twice more to have success. Nice start.

busta,

just a little tip, be very cautious of using galv wire on your trees, even though they are galvanised they will still rust under constant moist conditions, this can cause some problems for your tree, one if left long enough will be death just letting a know about the problems with gal wire hope it helps.


jamie

G,day Jamie has warned you of Galvanised wire, it is in certain circumstances very dangerous. Yes it can kill a conifer.
The biggest problem is when it contacts the cambium layer, of broken as in cracked or drilled or screws or nails though it. As yours is wrapped in cotton as in raffia type wrapping it should not be a big problem. Just watch the tree carefully as it puts on new growth.

Cheers Pup

Thanks for the tips guys. You are correct pup, the tree has been wrapped twice with cotton binding tape, and the wire does not contact the tree / bark etc. I will keep a close watch on the wire and the tree and report any deterioration.