AusBonsai

So you know when you try to wire up and put some shape into the trunk but you're an idiot and snap the thing in half instead?

That happened about 3 weeks ago, but thankfully I've got some buds coming through

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It's a learning process. We've all done that. Now you've learned to be gentler and more careful in future.

Raging Bull wrote:It's a learning process. We've all done that. Now you've learned to be gentler and more careful in future.

I'm always getting into trouble for tightening jars too tight as well.

Is there a rule of thumb for what gauge wire you should use for the job?

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My advice for Acacia howitii is to clip-and-grow.

Once they set, they are well and truly set.

Rory wrote:My advice for Acacia howitii is to clip-and-grow.

Once they set, they are well and truly set.

Okay... so you don't think this species needs a lot of wiring at all?

This sounds perfect to be honest, less things for me to mess up.

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Acacia howittii seems to be one that regularly buds on bare wood. Not all acacias do that.

I think choosing wire size is something that you need to experience. Even then I've still cracked branches and trunks as different species can be bent more easily than others.
Some say try bending the trunk then bending the wire to see if it feels strong enough but I have not found that test accurate.

Letting the tree dry out a bit before you bend really does make a difference. If the pores of the wood are not saturated with water they can flex a bit better.

I find that howittii does need some wiring or something to make it stand up a bit in the early stages. Without any help the trunks tend to lie almost flat on the ground which does not look so good. I often stake the young trunks to get at least somewhat more upright trunk. After the trunk is formed the branches grow naturally out and down so they don't need so much wiring. Fast grower so clip and grow is sometimes enough but it will depend how demanding you are as to exact shape or somewhere near.

shibui wrote:Letting the tree dry out a bit before you bend really does make a difference. If the pores of the wood are not saturated with water they can flex a bit better.

As always Shibui, you advice is brilliant and greatly appreciated!!

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