What Is A Trunk Splitter For?

larry mac

I'm sure I need one of these, but I should probably know why first!

thanks, lm

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Here's a demo showing how and why you might use one:

Chase Rosade trunk split demo

It's an advanced technique. Probably the first time you do it on a valuable tree, you should do it under the guidance of a pro. Then you can borrow theirs.

I'm a tool nut, and I don't own one of these...

But I can get to Chase's in less than an hour.

TreeBay

>I'm sure I need one of these, but I should probably know why first!

You may not need one. The main reason for splitting trunks and branches is to make them easier to bend. It turns out that a trunk that is half as thick is approximately FOUR TIMES easier to bend. Some engineering thing at work there.

Regards,

Matt

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Candy_J_Shirey

I find particular joy in using good tools also. I even received a beautiful stainless steel trunk splitter as a gift about five years ago. They are still in the package - never been used.

imyerhukleberry

Well trunk spliters look a whole lot to me like horse hoof clippers.

rockm

The "alternative" uses some find for bonsai tools can be a little weird.

The owners of one local bonsai nursery have pot bellied pigs for pets. They once mentioned on an online pot bellied pig disucssion board that they used the splitters to trim their pets' hooves. They were immediately flooded with requests for the splitters from fellow pig owners and now sell more trunk splitters for use as hoof trimmers than they do for bonsai

RonMartin(deceased)

I think that those horse hoof clippers look an awfully lot like a trunk splitter )
Actually a trunk splitter is like any other tool. One can do a lot with it if you know how to use the tool.
If you grow seeds or seedlings you don't need one. If you do tropical trees chances you don't need one.
If you are seriously trying to do something with larger collected material you will probably find a good use for one.
I have 3 of them and do on occasion use them. Not often but that is because I do a lot of tropical trees.

larry mac

Thanks for the info guys.

Bart, that demo is very cool. Mr. Rosade's virtual tour on his website is nice also.

regards, lm

imyerhukleberry

Pot belly pigs. HA!