Bending large thick evergreen branches

I have read and seen people use raffia to protect the barck of thick branches before applying really thick wire or mutliple wires to bend and twist branches.

I want to know of good alternatives that is strong enough to protect the bark like raffia and much more readily available. I have heard of electric tape being used, however, I question the adhesiveness of the tape... how does it affect the bark?

I have been thinking about painter's tape which is also adhesive but less than electric tape. However, it is not that strong, unless you apply a second round.

I would love to hear from people who have successfully used alternative medium to raffia.

- S

I have used (and just did today actually) electrical tape with no problem for a less adhesive tape that's meant to be removed find something called "gaffers tape"..

Suburbia
I have been using a material called Vet Wrap. It is used for binding on horses , around thier ankels an lower leggs. It is a self adhering material that is very tough and flexible and breathable. It also does not degrade in the sun, so you have to remove when the branch sets. It comes in several colors I use black or brown. The rolls are about 6" wide so I cut them into 2" segements that are easier to handle. It also works good for binding graphs. I think its the best for bending insulation.
Hope this helps
Mitch

Thanks for the tip guys... I haven't heard of 'vet wrap', where can I get one from?

- S

any place that sells equine supplies would carry it (just looked into it myself) I'm gonna check a few places round here next time I'm out..Seems like a fantastic product!

We use it at the vet where I work! Good idea!

Strips of bike inner tube works well.

With the electrician's tape, if you are skeptic on using it on the bark, you may apply one layer with the sticky part away from the bark...
There are a few good products on the market. I personally use this: http://www.kaizenbonsai.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=131

Any arts and crafts store should have raffia, here in Florida we have a chain called Micheal's, but just look in the phone book or online in your area for Arts and Crafts, I am sure there are a lot in the Chicago area. I have seen strips of black plastic bag used. I like the raffia because it breathes, the other products don't, except maybe the Vet Tape. I soak it in warm water with a little soap to get it wet, then apply it wet.

Billy beat me to it. Most craft store like Michaels, which is a national chain, will carry it. Also, you can find bandage material similar to vet wrap in the first aid section of pharmacies. It's a basically a self adherent, stretchable bandaging wrap.

There is a Micheal's near the intersection of Roosevelt and Canal in with a Whole Foods Market.
I know "Chicago" can mean a very big area, so this might not be your best choice.
But it is a start.

Go to a sporting good store and buy some "grip tape." You'll find in in the tennis or golf sections.

I usually buy my vet wrap from the local Feed and seed store. Any place that sells tac ( Horse Stuff) They usually have several colors avaible. I first found out about it from a friend of mine Dana Quantlbalm at Brussles Nursery. Been usuing it for around 5yrs and dont have any detrimental marks against it. I dont think I will ever use raffia again.
Mitch

The 'grip tape' Jim is referring to is a form of self amalgamating tape which is made of butyl rubber also sold to plumbers for repairing small leaks it is black, very stretchy and can be applied over the bark without detriment.
The other thing to use is polypropylene 'string'(the only way I can think of naming it) which is very much like raffia, normally used in Chinese furniture shops for tying on protective wrapping, it has a limited stretch and can be applied tightly. It isabout 1 inch wide when opened up and can be split longitudinally.

The vet wrap is very good and is recommended by Peter Adams.

Hi all!

Why change te good thing of applying wet rafia over,......?
Things that dont shrink to the mass.....u attend to bend????

i'd figure.......???


grtzz from Holland

Self amalgamating tape should be applied over the top of raffia and not onto bare branches. Even more so with good bark on the branches. Black tape also heats up extremely quickly, so with raffia underneath, a good layer of insulation will protect the branch.

This wrap has no adhesive that will leave any residue. It grips back upon itself kinda like Velcro it uses surface tension to grip as tight as you want it to. As far as any undue residual heat residue I haven't had any problem living in near tropical area.
Mitch

I would still use Raffia as it has a more restrictive and supportive nature.