"V" Notching Made Easy

[A Random User]

Side note....
Do all the individuals a favor here who have contributed
To the discussion... return the favor and post some
Pics of work done, when you do it !!!
Thanks.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

Considering the species, could this technique be used for trunks as well? Say for example, you have a tree with a fairly straight trunk, but you would rather not chop it to acquire movement. What are the possibilities of a V notch in this situation? I'm thinking about pines or junipers. If they are trunk chopped, you risk killing the tree should no foliage be below your chop.

 

[nathanbs]

I have yet have to find a tree that is representable of foam board. Maybe true for succulents.

i think maybe you are taking it a little to serious. sure the foam is more rigid than most heartwood but I think it serves as a good demo

 

[Poink88]

i think maybe you are taking it a little to serious. sure the foam is more rigid than most heartwood but I think it serves as a good demo

Not really but I am serious that all trees I know have harder core/pith. Sapwood is always softer unless the core is rotted. It may be more brittle but that too is relative like diamond is hard and brittle.

Again, good demo for the v-notch technique...may be misleading for the other. Just saying.

 

[A Random User]

Considering the species, could this technique be used for trunks as well? Say for example, you have a tree with a fairly straight trunk, but you would rather not chop it to acquire movement. What are the possibilities of a V notch in this situation? I'm thinking about pines or junipers. If they are trunk chopped, you risk killing the tree should no foliage be below your chop.

Check out the vid in post #17

 

[edprocoat]

Well this was a great thread until we got into crotch gripping and ripping, which sends a chill up my spine. I know there are probably those who enjoy their crotches being gripped and ripped but its not for me ...

ed

 

[Vin]

Well this was a great thread until we got into crotch gripping and ripping, which sends a chill up my spine. I know there are probably those who enjoy their crotches being gripped and ripped but its not for me ...

ed

Now that's funny! I don't care who you are..

 

[Lazylightningny]

I would just like to see the steps in v-notching above, with the healed-over result. It seems to me that even after it heals, the v will always be apparent. Are you saying that the tree fills in the v and it heals over without any noticable difference?

 

[Poink88]

I would just like to see the steps in v-notching above, with the healed-over result. It seems to me that even after it heals, the v will always be apparent. Are you saying that the tree fills in the v and it heals over without any noticable difference?

Properly done, the scar should be minimal but there are many factors that will affect how detectable the notched part will be. Some are; bark, tree specie, time, location in tree, etc.

In some ways it is similar to a wire cutting in the branch...some will disappear over time...some never.

 

[garywood]

Dario makes a very good point. This is a black pine that was "notched" maybe 12-15 years ago. It was grown in a 2gal pot until going into a bonsai pot about 6years ago. Bark development was the goal so slow steady growth for the smaller flakey bark to fit the slender trunk. Time and specie makes a big difference

 

[Lazylightningny]

Dario makes a very good point. This is a black pine that was "notched" maybe 12-15 years ago. It was grown in a 2gal pot until going into a bonsai pot about 6years ago. Bark development was the goal so slow steady growth for the smaller flakey bark to fit the slender trunk. Time and specie makes a big difference

beautiful tree. thanks for the input.

 

[ABCarve]

I would just like to see the steps in v-notching above, with the healed-over result. It seems to me that even after it heals, the v will always be apparent. Are you saying that the tree fills in the v and it heals over without any noticable difference?

The first photo has had both hemlock branches notched on top and both healed in about 3-4 years. Second pic has been notched on the bottom and healed in one season. I would say both are noticeable but only after you're told it was notched.

 

[GrimLore]

Does anyone here use the Krazy glue method when doing a deep V bend on large branches Without being taught it by anyone I just thought it was a good idea AND it seems to help and works. I have only done this a "limited" amount of times but it works for me. V-cut, glue, bend, and wrap with Raffia.

Grimmy

 

[lordy]

I'ved used krazy glue (not that brand) for fixing unintentional breaks, but never have done the Vnotch. I would think the glue would prevent the cambium from contacting each other.

 

[Vin]

Does anyone here use the Krazy glue method when doing a deep V bend on large branches Without being taught it by anyone I just thought it was a good idea AND it seems to help and works. I have only done this a "limited" amount of times but it works for me. V-cut, glue, bend, and wrap with Raffia.

Grimmy

Interesting...

 

[QuintinBonsai]

I wonder if a branch bender could be an alternative tool to using the guy wire, and then of course finding a spot to anchor it. I know it wouldn't work for thicker trunks, but for smaller trunks/branches maybe?

 

[0soyoung]

Here is a JBP branch that was "V" notched from the bottom to bend down. Peter Warren actually did this in April 2011, so this is how it looks 3 full years later.

Here is a technique that I prefer, because the effect is natural. Kathy teaches it, I like to call it the "grip & rip". I was told that sap flow is stronger on the bottom of the branch, so it's less stressful.

bump

Brian,
How are these doing now?

 

[GrimLore]

I'ved used krazy glue (not that brand) for fixing unintentional breaks, but never have done the Vnotch. I would think the glue would prevent the cambium from contacting each other.

I used a droplet in the center of the cut. The limited amount of times(3) it worked ok for me. Pretty certain they are still ok and will see if I can contact/figure out who owns them now.

Grimmy

 

[mwar15]

How would the V notch method work for fixing a straight trunked Blue spruce?

 

[A Random User]

How would the V notch method work for fixing a straight trunked Blue spruce?

Start a thread about the tree you are considering bending, post up pictures and tell us what you are looking to do, and I am sure the others here, or myself would be more than happy to help.
A lot of times a procedure as drastic as this is not actually needed. You might be able to induce some bends through guy wires and raffia.