Iconoclast
Seedling
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I always used aluminum to tie trees in. This is how I was taught. Copper has fungicidal properties which means it can prevent the production of mycorrhizae.
Tie down wire recommendation
- Thread starter K_10_G
- Start date
Cable
Omono
Thank you for the information. All steel rusts. Even stainless. Timeframe is what is important. According to the American Galvanizers Association, the service life of galvanized produced within soil depends primarily upon three factors: the thickness of the zinc coating, the pH of the soil, and the amount of chlorides in the soil. Worst case you're looking at about ten years. Certainly good enough for where I'm at in development but not for others. Optimally you're looking at 50-75+ years.
For what it's worth, I learned to use galvanized wire from Ryan Neil.
shimbrypaku
Shohin
And commercial and residential plumbing uses copper piping, I see no difference.
Just a thought
Well, I don’t use steel wire for tying in. I use aluminum. Which I learned from Boon.
Back in the day, I used copper.
Clicio
Masterpiece
I use aluminum.
No issues so far.
Never broke one, and use the plastic aquarium tubes for protection.
No issues so far.
Never broke one, and use the plastic aquarium tubes for protection.
Paradox
Imperial Masterpiece
I have used copper on my pines and the soil is filled with mycorrhizae with absolutely no indication that it was being compromised.
PA_Penjing
Chumono
At the nursery I've seen all three (steel, copper, aluminum), and I haven't noticed any negative patterns. The tip for twisting aluminum without breaking it s pretty important, glad to have that now. I'd say use whatever is cheapest or nearest. No sense in using copper wire when you could use cheaper aluminum. But no sense to buy steel wire if you already have tons of copper around. I wouldn't over complicate it, call me simple..
leatherback
The Treedeemer
Simple, I fully agree with you. KISS
I’ve seen people recommending to use steel wire for Shohin because Ryan recommends steel wire.
Really???
No doubt steel wire is stronger. But for Shohin? What Shohin tree is so top heavy it would need steel wire to be held in place?
PA_Penjing
Chumono
I'm pretty sure another Bonsai Heresy book could be published on wire alone. I have heard over 15 reasons for using aluminum wire on deciduous versus copper, so I use aluminum on deciduous. Someone asks me why? And I'm not sure if I'm giving them factual information but it seems well backed haha. I have also heard the copper is toxic in the soil, but Leo's debunking coincides with what I've seen first hand, zero damage. I fully understand that it's the smallest nuances that elevate trees aesthetically and health wise so I try not discount anything, but sometimes ... it seems like over thinking
leatherback
The Treedeemer
THAT shohin is so heavy I don’t think it even needed wire!
leatherback
The Treedeemer
lol
I used copper to tie trees to pots back in the day before aluminum wire was available. It worked just fine.
Aluminum is cheaper, and works just fine, so it’s more economical.
K_10_G
Yamadori
So repotting season is upon us ! For those using aluminum, what brand or “type” ?
So far I have only been able to find framing wire that is aluminum.
So far I have only been able to find framing wire that is aluminum.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
just whatever I use to wire my tree. 2-3mm depending on the tree size.
K_10_G
Yamadori
Does anyone have a brand of wire they “repurpose” for bonsai. I know we use a lot of stuff that isn’t specifically made for bonsai. For example I hear of some using galvanized steel wire meant for electric fences. When I asked at the hardware store about bare aluminum wire they pointed me to the framing supply
Just go to Amazon and search for “aluminum bonsai wire”. You’ll find lots.
It will be better than the stuff at your local hardware store because it will likely be painted or colored in some way, and not be silver.
You need some of all sizes, so buy a bundle.
Not only can you use it for tying trees in pots, but it’s used for wiring deciduous trees.
Sekibonsai
Shohin
He only recommends steel wire for larger trees. Aluminum for shohin and smaller.
I started using steel wire in 2019. No failures and my larger trees are much more secure i.e., zero movement over time which is good considering weather and goats. Had one get out and picked up a tree by the trunk... only a bit of soil loss and the tree did not budge from the pot. F@$# goats.
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
Use whatever is within your reach. You will figure it out.
