Branch Bending Limits

Vermontoise

How much can one really bend a branch when wiring? I have some really nice branches on my Ulmus, in the right places (basically) but they're facing the wrong direction. They're 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. How much pressure can one reasonably put on a branch before putting it in danger of breaking?

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RonMartin(deceased)

Done properly an amazing amount of a turn can be put into a branch. But this all depends on the type of tree the branch is on. Ulmus branches, thick ones at least, are not all that noted for flexibility. A one half inch branch on them can be moved some but not a great deal.
Bending branches takes practice. You will break a few before you get the knack of it. I am afraid that there is only one way to tell how far you can bend that branch and that is to just do it and hope for the best.

BonsaiMon

...ya may want to consider clip and grow...post a pic so we can see what ya mean...

peace,
tom stoute

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peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/

LivingArt

You may want to go to the BONSAIFAQ'S section on the forum and read wire; I think you'll find your answer and many more
Also, you might find A. K. Rutledge's site articles very useful.

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LivingArt

i thought these links would help
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...s=&threadid=409
here's Mr. Rutledges
http://www.bunjindesign.com/bonsai/

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Vermontoise

Thanks for the links, they were helpful. I can't seem to get my digital camera to focus well enough on a closeup to show you what I mean (my tree's a mess anyway!) Last night I joined the Remy Samson bonsai club and went to my first meeting. Next month I'll take along the ulmus and see what he says (hope it's not just "ugh!")

jhill

Here is a Pinus Banksiana that I did some considerable bending on. It went to the right at a 90 degree angle. I wrapped this branch with rafia before bending then slowly bend it up to form a new apex. It was to me, a pretty severe bend. After breaking a few branches you can almost tell when it is about to break by the cracking sounds. When doing severe bends I have found that it bends alot more if you hold back on the watering a day or so before. You can also cut a V depending on which way you need to bend the branch and how far determines how wide this V cut is to be made. Bend to where both sides of the V comes together then wrap well with rafia and keep your fingers crossed. This has been my experience from a novice.
John

Attached Images

bend 54kb.jpg (54.3 KB, 156 views)

Vermontoise

... Egads, do I have the courage to let my poor misshapen ulmus make cracking sounds??



Bonnie

RonMartin(deceased)

Not really.
There is a subtle change in pressure just before a branch breaks. And this happens before you hear the cracking sound.
Get you a couple of branches off a tree in the garden and bend them slowly with even pressure. Keep bending them till they do break. Pay attention to what you are doing and you will feel it happen. Just takes a bit of practice.