Question About Using Raffia

Adam_MA

Something I am wondering about, and now that I am getting ready to use it for the first time... I know soaking the raffia first makes it easier to work with and less likely to tear when you are applying it. My questions is.. Should I wait for the raffia to dry before I wire and bend? Or does it not matter either way?

Thanks
Adam

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RonMartin(deceased)

You can start wiring as soon as you get the raffia on.

Adam_MA

Cool,
Thanks
Adam

DavidN

I find that wet raffia around a trunk or branch enables me to bend the trunk/branch a lot more easily too. So do it straight away.

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pdbbonsai

Is the material that general "tree wrap" is made of worthy of the same use as raffia?

By 'tree wrap', I mean the stuff that is used to wrap the bottom trunks of trees to protect them from weed wacking, lawn mowers etc. I know they are generally weather resistant etc.

Does it perform as well as raffia? has anyone every used it?

Paul

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Jonny D

Paul do you mean the tape?

Jonny.

Adam_MA

The tree wrap in my local hardware store to protect from weed whackers and mowers is more like hard plastic. Kind of like a large version of wire loom used to keep wires together. Is that what you are talking about Paul?


Adam

John Dixon

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

Attached Images

cork bark elm trunk wrap small.jpg (64.0 KB, 108 views)

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pdbbonsai

The tree wrap I am mentioning is exactly what you think it is John. I am glad to have gotten your opinion on this before I jump into something serious. Raffia isnt a huge item around here (hard to find) any clues to where you all get yours from?


Paul

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