Copper band to increase trunk size?
I read somewhere that putting a copper band loosely around the base of the trunk to increase its size. this kind of sounds bogus to me, but I was just checking to see if anyone else has heard this.
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Gnome
- Super Green Thumb
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- Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A
JTred,
There is some truth to this but you don't seem to have the whole picture. First read up on the technique known as air layering. It is a method whereby roots are induced to grow on an existing branch or trunk. There is a variation of this technique, sometimes called ground layering, although this term has a slightly different meaning in general horticultural.
At any rate, the general process is to interfere with the vascular system of a branch which encourages roots to form at the chosen location. This is usually accomplished by removing a ring of bark at the site that new roots are desired. An alternate method is to bind the trunk/branch with copper wire which eventually accomplishes the same thing as removing the ring of bark.
A side effect or using the wire method is a swelling of the trunk/branch at that location. In my experience it is not a pronounced difference but rather a subtle, but noticeable, flare.
Ultimately the best way to increase trunk size is to encourages vigorous growth and to allow the passage of time. Also read up on 'sacrifice branches.'
Norm
There is some truth to this but you don't seem to have the whole picture. First read up on the technique known as air layering. It is a method whereby roots are induced to grow on an existing branch or trunk. There is a variation of this technique, sometimes called ground layering, although this term has a slightly different meaning in general horticultural.
At any rate, the general process is to interfere with the vascular system of a branch which encourages roots to form at the chosen location. This is usually accomplished by removing a ring of bark at the site that new roots are desired. An alternate method is to bind the trunk/branch with copper wire which eventually accomplishes the same thing as removing the ring of bark.
A side effect or using the wire method is a swelling of the trunk/branch at that location. In my experience it is not a pronounced difference but rather a subtle, but noticeable, flare.
Ultimately the best way to increase trunk size is to encourages vigorous growth and to allow the passage of time. Also read up on 'sacrifice branches.'
Norm
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Gnome
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 5122
- Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
- Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A
JTred,
In all honesty I can't make much out of that article and I did not spend much time there. Look here for a more detailed explanation of the technique I was referring to.
https://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATNebari.html
If you want tips from real experts check out these two sites.
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics.html
https://www.evergreengardenworks.com/articles.htm
Norm
In all honesty I can't make much out of that article and I did not spend much time there. Look here for a more detailed explanation of the technique I was referring to.
https://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATNebari.html
If you want tips from real experts check out these two sites.
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics.html
https://www.evergreengardenworks.com/articles.htm
Norm