How to Wire a Tree into a Pot

jeremy_norbury

I double checked with Colin - just to ensure I wasn't quoting total hogwash.

From : Colin Lewis
Sent : 08 September 2005 14:42:58
To : Jerry Norbury
Subject : Re: Wriing a tree into a pot using garden twine.

> Colin.
>
> I need help with a minor dispute.
>
> I had read that you had once suggested using garden twine (green string) > to tie bonsai into their pots rather than using wire. This had the advantage of
> rotting around the time that the tree was able to hold itself into the pot.
>
> Does this sound like something you advise?
>
> I have to say I tried it this year and it worked a treat...
>
> Thanks in advance
> Jerry

Jerry, you quote me correctly! I have seen so many trees with nebari
ruined by wire that string seemed to make more sense to me.

Colin

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HB Smith

When a tree is appropriately wired into the pot, the wire is nowhere near any visible nebari. I would not feel comfortable enough using twine, and you simply cannot get the same holding power. When a tree is tied in correctly, the tree, the roots and the pot are one immoble unit and no root damage is possible regardless of what you are doing. It is easy to teach in person; hard to teach over the internet.


*Thanks bwaynef for the correction*

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bwaynef

Maybe "in correctly" was what you were looking for. I had to do a doubletake.


WF

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bonsaikc

Colin, then, is advocating this as a way to keep those who don't know how to wire a tree into the pot from ruining their roots. In his own words, it's a backup measure.

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mike_p

Interesting thread here. Securely tieing trees to pots is very often a problem, especially in pots with one center hole. I had this problem a few days ago when repotting a silverberry in a round pot with one 3/4 inch drainhole in the center. I drilled 3 more 1/2 inch holes near the perimeter of the pot, both to increase drainage and facilitate proper tie-down. It was a hard drilling job using a carbide drill bit. I was thinking that I should buy a diamond drill bit to make the job easier.
Today I googled "diamond core drill", and found this website for diamond drills. I ordered a 1/4 inch for wire holes and a 3/4 inch for drain holes.

http://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-to...-Drill/MAIN.htm

When they arrive, I'll photograph and post a pot drilling demo.

Mike

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Dale Cochoy

Please do Mike,
I'm interested in how long it takes to diamond drill a hole in a stoneware pot. Also, how many you figure you can do with each bit.
I see they say not for use on concrete. The stones in it I guess?
Makes sense to keep speed and pressure low and lots of water.
Dale

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Some people NEVER take the time to do a job right the first time....
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Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery
Hartville, Ohio

mike_p

Dale, I've never used a diamond drill. I have used a diamond 10 inch saw to cut rock, and it holds up well,
I learned when drilling pots, that the easiest way to keep water on the work is to set the pot in a tub with water just covering the area to be drilled. The pot will stay cool and lubricated. .
Re. concrete, I think it's best drilled using a carbide tooth core drill in a rotohammer. Maybe a diamond drill is too fine to cut effectivly in concrete which is softer than high fired ceramic. Just a guess.

Mike

__________________
Nature is perfect.
Man's attempts to improve nature,
Are imperfect.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha

Dale Cochoy

]Dale, I've never used a diamond drill. I have used a diamond 10 inch saw to cut rock, and it holds up well,

Yes, done a few suiseki with a friends.


I learned when drilling pots, that the easiest way to keep water on the work is to set the pot in a tub with water just covering the area to be drilled. The pot will stay cool and lubricated. .

Just don't drop the drill in!!

Re. concrete, I think it's best drilled using a carbide tooth core drill in a rotohammer. Maybe a diamond drill is too fine to cut effectivly in concrete which is softer than high fired ceramic. Just a guess.

Possibly the differences in hardness ( concrete, rock substrate, etc,) as you go through the concrete.
Yes, I use carbide drills in a rotohammer to drill the cement cast "wood rounds" or "cypress looking slabs" I use on top my monkey poles. Ziiipppp....right through!
Dale

__________________
________________________________
If you want to be Different....
You have to DO something Different!
__________________________________________

Some people NEVER take the time to do a job right the first time....
but, they always seem to make the time to do it over again...
____________________________________________
Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery
Hartville, Ohio

pootsie

FWIW, I've had no trouble drilling holes in a terra cotta training pot with just a regular old drill bit. Of course, the bit needs sharpening after that if you wanna make use of it again, but it works.

pootsie

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