Branch Bending a juniper

[jjbacoomba]

When is the best time to do a semi-major or major bend of branch/es on Junipers. I have an idea for mine that I would love to do.

 

[jamie11]

not sure about over there but a little tip is to hold water back for a couple of days before you do it, it will definately help

 

[jk_lewis]

I do it in the fall.

 

[Juniperus Californica]

Marcus Juniel in Southern California does some pretty big bends on junipers. He says that the best time to bend in when the tree is dormant (usually between Halloween & Easter) when there isn't much sap flowing. Let the tree dry out before bending because if it's too hydrated it will snap like a piece of celery. Also wire and wrap the tree to protect it from snapping when you bend. In the pics he uses a wire spine along the outside of the bend with jute wrapped tightly around the tree to minimize breaking.

At his demos he says if he can bend a tree this big, you should be able to bend smaller branches with great success. By the way, the tree in these pics is alive and well, I saw it last week.

JC

 

[jjbacoomba]

Thanks everyone. I feel confident about bending my tree. I will post pix soon.