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Air Assault All The Way.
Join Date: Mar-2004
Location: Huntersville, NC (near Charlotte)
Country: USA
Posts: 1,702
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Paul,
Standard tree wrap will not work. Raffia binds tight, and tree wrap does not have any true elasticity. The tight binding is what keeps the branch from "breaking" off under pressure from the process. Actually, the bending will still create "micro breaks" and the raffia REDUCES (but does NOT eliminate) the potential for catastrophic breaks (i.e. you can carry the branch around in your hand).
I posted "trunk wrap" a few days ago where I applied a material used to wrap horses' legs. It is similar to an ace bandage (has elasticity) and is self-adhesive. I got this tip from Don and Marc Torrpa of the Growing Grounds in Cherryville, NC. Marc recommends it as a replacement for raffia. It is a LOT quicker to apply, I'll say that. Unfortunately, the only color options I had at my local store were all brightly colored, so I applied standard tree wrap over it to subdue the tone. I'm going to try this stuff for a while and see if the results are good. It looks promising.
NOTE: the trunk wrap did not include any bending.
I hope this was helpful.
Warmest regards,
John
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John Dixon
Si vis pacem parabellum
Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.
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