branch bender

[matty-j]

hey guys its my first time using a bender/jack and was wondering how long to leave it on for?
and some things to watch out for when using one?

IMG_0886.jpg

[shibui]

Leave it on as short a time as posible.
Watch out for damage to bark at the points of contact. I have a trident with a scar where the middle part pressed on the trunk maybe too hard and too long?
these are not worth using

[Luke308]

Leave it on as short a time as posible.
Watch out for damage to bark at the points of contact. I have a trident with a scar where the middle part pressed on the trunk maybe too hard and too long?
these are not worth using

Totally agree, I have a Acer Palmatum which has horrific scaring from all three contact points. I would only use on trees with a hard, strong bark, but then again, why not use wire and vet wrap or self amalgamating tape?

[PaulC]

Hi Matty,

firstly, I have to say I like your choice of plant material...........is that Rosemary ?

I have seen a few nice bonsai from this material, and of course it lends itself to regular pruning, as well as having wonderfull bark and strong growth habits.

In fact I was eyeing off an old tub speciman in my garden only this afternoon !!

As for the branch benders, you seem to be using one of the smaller units available.

I have used both home made and commecrcial branch benders of this type, and even though the commercial units have powder coated areas, they do not provide adequate protection against unessesary damage and bruising to the plants bark.

I would advise added padding in the form of inner tubing, split garden hose or any other material available whilst using these style benders.

The benifits of using these style of benders, unlike wiring, is that they can be either adjusted to increase or decrease the degree of bend, or even removed and replaced to inspect the degree of bend the plant has acheived.

I hope this has been of help ?

Regards,


Paul C.

[Tony Bebb]

I agree with Paul. Best to use the split garden hose as it is stronger and spreads the load better. I learnt it early with scarred trunks as well, but with adequate protection they are fine, and as Paul said can be adjusted.

Should be more Rosemary as Bonsai.

Tony

[matty-j]

Hi Matty,

firstly, I have to say I like your choice of plant material...........is that Rosemary ?

I have seen a few nice bonsai from this material, and of course it lends itself to regular pruning, as well as having wonderfull bark and strong growth habits.

In fact I was eyeing off an old tub speciman in my garden only this afternoon !!

As for the branch benders, you seem to be using one of the smaller units available.

I have used both home made and commecrcial branch benders of this type, and even though the commercial units have powder coated areas, they do not provide adequate protection against unessesary damage and bruising to the plants bark.

I would advise added padding in the form of inner tubing, split garden hose or any other material available whilst using these style benders.

The benifits of using these style of benders, unlike wiring, is that they can be either adjusted to increase or decrease the degree of bend, or even removed and replaced to inspect the degree of bend the plant has acheived.

I hope this has been of help ?

Regards,


Paul C.

Hey paul yes it is rosemary!! Thanks for the info I will add a piece of hose this afternoon but I don't know if it will be very big because I don't have too much room between branches

I agree with Paul. Best to use the split garden hose as it is stronger and spreads the load better. I learnt it early with scarred trunks as well, but with adequate protection they are fine, and as Paul said can be adjusted.

Should be more Rosemary as Bonsai.

Tony

Tony I agree there should be more rosemary! I did notice a very nice one in my girlfriends parents front yard That I've been eying off

Does anyone know if rosemary lends its self to cascade style?

[kcpoole]

Rosemary can be done in any style really,a nd cascade shoeu be cool.
Collection on the other hand can be difficult.

Most do not collect well

Ken

[matty-j]

Thanks ken!! Lucky this little guy is in a pot
It's a fairly large pot it looks like its been in there a long time
Can I wash all the rootball away? An sort out the roots?
I know they don't like being touched but to what degree?