Wiring Trident maples

[Judge]

Its been 25 years since I wired a tree, can't remember .
Can you use uncoated copper wire or does it have to be covered.
This is for maples only.

 

[berobinson82]

To my knowledge most people use aluminum wires on maples. The increased surface area from using larger wire helps avoid the cutting in when the branches quickly swell.

There's a gentleman named MACH5 on this forum who has shared some stunning maples with us. He will often, especially on his shohin trees it seems, wrap his aluminum wire in floral tape to further reduce the chance of scarring.

Copper won't poison the tree but it will certainly scar up the branches faster if you're not extremely diligent in checking the branches during the growth season.

Hope that helps.

What have you been doing for 25 years??!??!?!?!!

 

[GrimLore]

Aluminum is far more forgiving but if you need to do some hefty bends copper will be a heck of a lot more efficient. Wrapping with Raffia before copper will give you the cushion you want when doing the heavier stuff. It is not uncommon to see both on the same tree as well.

Grimmy

 

[Brian Underwood]

Most people typically use aluminum for any deciduous tree, and copper for evergreen. If copper is all you have, by all means, use it. It's not going to kill the tree or harm it in any way, it will just be more difficult to remove when the time comes (which is soon after wiring with tridents).

 

[Adair M]

Copper isn't difficult to remove.

But most use aluminum for deciduous trees.

Most deciduous trees are fairly brittle after they have lignified. Try to develop the tree so you don't depend on wiring old wood.

The best are wired as they grow. Let the new branch extend 5 or 6 inches, then wire the green wood. Let it grow for about 3 or 4 weeks. Then remove the wire, and cut back to the first up/down set of leaves. Defoliate. When the buds start to grow, remove the bottom bud. Let the top bud grow to 5 to 6 inches. Rewire, bend down. Let it grow 3 to 4 weeks. Remove wire. Cut back same as before. Defoliate. Repeat as many times as your growing season will allow.

What you are doing is directing the new growth rather than trying to bend old growth.

 

[GrimLore]

Copper isn't difficult to remove.

But most use aluminum for deciduous trees.

Most deciduous trees are fairly brittle after they have lignified. Try to develop the tree so you don't depend on wiring old wood.

The best are wired as they grow. Let the new branch extend 5 or 6 inches, then wire the green wood. Let it grow for about 3 or 4 weeks. Then remove the wire, and cut back to the first up/down set of leaves. Defoliate. When the buds start to grow, remove the bottom bud. Let the top bud grow to 5 to 6 inches. Rewire, bend down. Let it grow 3 to 4 weeks. Remove wire. Cut back same as before. Defoliate. Repeat as many times as your growing season will allow.

What you are doing is directing the new growth rather than trying to bend old growth.

That method works well on many species and is how I am building a "contorted" look with a young Mulberry right now. Odd but looks ok so far

Grimmy

 

[Judge]

To my knowledge most people use aluminum wires on maples. The increased surface area from using larger wire helps avoid the cutting in when the branches quickly swell.

There's a gentleman named MACH5 on this forum who has shared some stunning maples with us. He will often, especially on his shohin trees it seems, wrap his aluminum wire in floral tape to further reduce the chance of scarring.

Copper won't poison the tree but it will certainly scar up the branches faster if you're not extremely diligent in checking the branches during the growth season.

Hope that helps.

What have you been doing for 25 years??!??!?!?!!

I got involved with sailing, and did not have time to take care of the Bonsai's that I had so I sold them and planted some cutting in the ground. Now I am digging them up , to make a few Bonsais

 

[GrimLore]

I got involved with sailing, and did not have time to take care of the Bonsai's that I had so I sold them and planted some cutting in the ground. Now I am digging them up , to make a few Bonsais

Are you the guy everyone called "Judge" at various boat shows including the Antique Classics in Buffalo NY, Niagara Falls NY, and CNE Tower Toronto? Used to show up in a 25 foot or so Twin Screw Cabin Cruiser?

Grimmy

 

[Judge]

Are you the guy everyone called "Judge" at various boat shows including the Antique Classics in Buffalo NY, Niagara Falls NY, and CNE Tower Toronto? Used to show up in a 25 foot or so Twin Screw Cabin Cruiser?

Grimmy

Been to all those boat shows but never had a power boat only sailboat. My name is Judge

 

[GrimLore]

Been to all those boat shows but never had a power boat only sailboat. My name is Judge

We may have shared a drink or two a LONG time ago if you are the same guy. I used to take care of the Ebb Tide, a 42 foot Chris Craft twin screw used in the filming of The Niagara for the interior filming as the smaller 25 foot in the movie was to small for the camera equipment back then. It was owned by Niagara Frontier Builders Association. They commissioned me to oversee all work and renovations on it and show it.

Grimmy