AusBonsai

I have an immature corky bark elm and would like to introduce bending into the 25 mm rigid trunk. (Photo attached)
I am unfamiliar with the use of trunk benders, is it possible to bend without too much damage, and would the trunk need to be split using a branch splitter and raffia. This is all new technique for me and any advice would be appreciated. Failing this, what would you do to improve my situation?

Cheers Cactuscandy

i dont know about introducing movement unless you really feel the need to, have you thought about developing a formal upright broom style tree?

just an idea


jamie

I have just found an article by Pup back in March and Grant using their benders. I am not a fan of the broom style and was hoping to use the opportunity to learn a new technique. I have a set of the screw benders I thought I might try.

Cheers Cactuscandy

I have tried screw benders. They wouldn't work for thick trunk.

there are many ways to bend a trunk or branch.
None are right or wrong, but each have their own advantages and disadvanatages

1: - Apply Sufficient wire to hold the branch and bend till happy ( need large wire, and only can do on material thin enough to bend by hand)
2: - As above, but use a Lever to do the bending work. Pup has posted some to show. Still need wire to hold it, but can be quite sharp bends
3: - As both above, but use branch splitters to split the runk to allow the bend to be done. Will require less wire tohold the bend, but damage will result that will take time to heal
4: - Cut a "V" Section out of the trunk on the side you want to bend to and then apply wire to bend th trunk to close up the wound. Will need to heal and will allways leave a weak spot in the trunk. ( I did on like this on an Azalea a while ago that I posted here.)
5: - Cut Several V sections out of the trunk and when you bend it they will all close up. Will generate a "Softer" bend than above
6:- use bending Jig to apply pressure gently to the tree over time. Can be tightened every few days to get a little more each time, but can only do a relatively large radius bend. Bark damage can result if not careful, but a good way to get movement into brittle trees as they can be done slowly over time

Any others I have forgotten?

ps Like Jamie i think this tree is screaming for a Broom Style.
by the way, there is no such thing as formal upright Broom, as all brooms must upright and straight in the trunk

Ken

KC when i state formal upright broom i am referring to the trunk line, there is also an informal broom, maybe upright wasnt the right work to use but formal and informal was sorry
hope this clears it up


jamie

Many thanks for your in depth answer and description of how to bend a trunk/branch. It is greatly appreciated. I will probably go with your suggestions of a broom style. That is what is so great about this Community.

Cheers Cactuscandy

jamie111 wrote:KC when i state formal upright broom i am referring to the trunk line, there is also an informal broom, maybe upright wasnt the right work to use but formal and informal was sorry
hope this clears it up


jamie

That Cool Jamie, Clear as Mud

G'day CC,

You will be interested in this post on branch bending.

Regards,
Steven

cactuscandy2004 wrote:Many thanks for your in depth answer and description of how to bend a trunk/branch. It is greatly appreciated. I will probably go with your suggestions of a broom style. That is what is so great about this Community.

Cheers Cactuscandy

CC, glad to here that you are considering broom style now. i think you will benefit a lot from going that way

cheers jamie

CC there are other methods of bending larger branches and trunks with out benders and jacks.

Or cutting or drilling out the timber. What you need is some blocks of wood some metal reinforcing bar.
Know as rebar 10 mm size and some strong cord or wire.

Place the rebar in the pot close to the trunk, on an angle, then where you want to bend the trunk put a piece of wood.
Then pull the rebar over so that the wood is tight against the trunk. Then keep pulling until you have the desired amount of bend.
Then put a tie on to hold it in place.

You must protect the bark though so use some sort of padding. I do have some pictures some where it is just a matter of finding them.
I know you have decided on a broom, but these will come in handy if you decide to do it in the future.

Cheers Pup

Many thanks for your detailed description....I would love to see your photos if they can be located, a photo is worth a thousand words. I am just discovering the value of a good camera, particularly when it comes to bonsai.

Cheers CC

Hi CC, if it was mine I would cut the trunk lower down below the existing branches and then select a new developing branch as an apex. Then by replanting the tree at an angle you will achieve the curve you require as the new apex merges with the trunk. Let the new apex grow as long as you like to direct growth to that region and develop thickness. Eventually cut the new apex down and develop new side branches. I have used this method on Chinese elms with success and it can be done at any time of the year if the tree is in active growth

John T