Bending BIG branches and Trunks.

[zero]

I have been doing a little study on bending and what i have found is a lot on using Raffia but I have also stumbled across some people using electrical tape.
However, I cant seem to find any info or tips on the tape method. It looks a heck of a lot easier and faster (especially for a beginner like myself).
does anyone have any yips or tricks for this method?
Thanks.

[Bougy Fan]

I did the first layer with the sticky side out and then stuck the second layer sticky side down. Put a few layers on and then wire with a 5 or 6 mm wire depending on the trunk. Don't leave the tape on too long as the bark can sweat underneath and it went a little soft on a bottle tree I used it on. It recovered after about a year.

[zero]

Don't leave the tape on too long as the bark can sweat underneath and it went a little soft on a bottle tree I used it on. It recovered after about a year.

Thanks mate.
When you say not to leave it on for too long are you talking a week, a month, a year etc?

[Andrew Legg]

If you are feeling traditional, use raffia. If you are not feeling traditional (like I often am not, I use either normal medical non-sticky bandages (just one layer) and electrical tape over it, or the same with old bicycle inner tube strips which bind really nicely. Bit of tape to finish them off. Bike inner tube is a lot easier to remove than electrical tape. There's nothing quite like a well done raffia job though. Looks cool!

[Jason]

All comes down to your personal preference mate. I've seen electrical tape, duct tape, raffia, rubber, string, yarn and all kinds of things used.

I've got raffia, and will use that... when I get to the point where I'm confident to try a bend that major lol

[Paulneill]

I did a bit of research into this and found that raffia used properly actually tightens up on the branch as it drys.

[Andrew Legg]

I did a bit of research into this and found that raffia used properly actually tightens up on the branch as it drys.

Indeed it does. That's why I like inner-tube. Has the same effect of elasticity, but unlike things like duct-tape, it will not hinder the bending. Just looks rubbish!

[kcpoole]

I use raffia out of preference I think it looks nice one the tree, but anything that will bind and support the tree and stop splitting will work so long as it is tight.
Raffia, plastic tape, Vet tape, Rubber ( inner tube) are just some of the possibilities and none are wrong. just you personal pref.

Ken

[zero]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I will be sure to take a few shots and keep you all up to date with how it goes.

[kcpoole]

What tree are you going to bend?

Ken

[trident76]

Hi zero.
I usually use grafting tape, also often called budding tape.
Grafting tape is a plastic tape that is not adhesive(sticky), however it will stay in place on a branch if stretched reasonably tightly when applied.
I use grafting tape for tying up root over rock plantings and various other tasks, of course including grafting.
When bending thick branches, I have first cut notches in the branch on the inside of the curve, then wrapped in grafting tape, then applied wire both on the branch and as a guy wire. This can bend some fairly thick branches.
Cheers,
Luke

[zero]

What tree are you going to bend?

Ken

Looking at bending a juniper or 2 and perhaps a fig.

[dandybonsai]

Is the natural Raffia,Bleach or dyed better to use.

I grabbed each type to try on a native scrub to bend.

The natural one come's in wide bits may not need to use as much will see.

I found the natural one at Lincraft its around 2 and a bit wide than the dyed and bleached Raffia.

Is V cutting on underside branches worth doing on native's watch a pine video and worked well??

[shibui]

Is V cutting on underside branches worth doing on native's watch a pine video and worked well??

I think it will depend on the species. They are definitely NOT all the same. Some natives bend easily and others are extremely brittle and are likely to break off, even with V cut and wrapping. I would try with an expendable part first to see if it will bend. If you can get the branch to bend and close the gap I think it should heal up ok. In my experience getting the bend will be the hardest part.
Do you know what species you are calling 'native scrub'?

[PeterH]

Just a warning about using inner tube. Do not leave in the sun. I lost a branch on one of my pines due to it getting too hot. I have gone back to raffia if needed.

Regards,

Peter