Bending Trunks

Dan_Davis · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject: Bending Trunks

Bending a trunk, does it start when the tree is really young. Or does the bending tool work???? And how does it not break or snap the tree????

imholte · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:32 pm Post subject: Re: Bending Trunks

Bending the tree when young is easier than old since the trunk is thinner and softer. But usually the tree is not that developed at that age and it is hard to envision where branches will go.

I am not a fan of the bending tool unless you know the tree quite well. You can put alot of force on the tool and easily break the trunk/branch. I would recommend that you start out bending by you r hands first, then once you get the feel of the tree and its limits you could utilize the tool.

Many people utilize damp raffia to wrap the trunk to provide support while the branch is being bent, though they still can break the raffia distributes the stress along the branch and allows you to bend it farther. Some people us electricians tape instead of raffia. I prefer raffia for it blends in to the tree better, and allows moisture and air to the branch to facilitate better healing...at least in my mind.

Once you branch/trunk is bent to where you want it you need to hold it there for anywhere from months to a year or more. For smaller branches and trunks copper/or aluminum wire is wrapped over the raffia around the tree and bent along with the branch thus holding the branch in place. sometimes multiple wires are needed. But if the branch is too large then a guy wire is of better use.

Stymie · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:31 pm Post subject: Re: Bending Trunks

Trunks can only be bent safely in the early years. The shape of lignified trunks can be altered as I wrote in my article;
http://www.bonsaihelp.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1605