Wire Around Pine bark

[Deleted member 32750]

I've seen pictures and videos of Japanese Black Pines with very thin gauge wire around the bark. Does anyone else know the purpose of this? Does it help develop the bark somehow?

 

[leatherback]

It is to keep the bark together. The old outer layers dislodge easily

 

[Deleted member 32750]

It is to keep the bark together. The old outer layers dislodge easily

Interesting. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Can also be used to glue bark back on a tree. The wire stays on for a couple days until the glue has dried.
Is it cheating? Not if nobody finds out.

 

[james]

I am aware of wire being used on pines for two reasons (there may be more). First, some black pine, particular cork bark pines have friable, fragile bark which can flake/break off. This thick bark is desired, and the wire used to help keep it on. Second, early in development, wire has been used on pines, particularly white pine, to score the bark (left on for a couple of years until it bites in), which results in rougher texture when tree heals (the end result is controversial in my mind), yet done and published in Japanese literature.

 

[Adair M]

The thin wires pictured are to keep the fragile flakes of bark from falling off.