Re: [IBC] Use of Lime Sulphur

Billy M. Rhodes

In a message dated 8/25/2004 5:57:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
notchevy327@HN.OZEMAIL.COM.AU writes:

> 1) If I were to wound a tree by carving it and apply LS is it true that it
> will stop disease and stop the wound eventually filling in/healing over, so
> as to keep that look.

Lime sulfur is an old insecticide/fungicide for horticultural use.
However, its main use in Bonsai is to highlight certain features of a tree.
There are better fungicides/insecticides out there now. It will stop some insects
and disease. I don't know about stopping the wound from healing over, but I
don't know why it would.

> If so what rate approx should I apply it, and how often?
> 2) When applying it to jin, does it create/keep the wood looking old?
> Any other uses apart from fungal problems when it comes to Lime Sulfur and
> Bonsai

Lime sulfur doesn't stop decay in all wood, there are also better
products for that. We use Minwax wood hardener for that. We use LS first to get
the white highlight if desired and then the Minwax product.

LS is usually applied when the effect wears off and always just a few
days before showing a tree. I usually just paint it on as it comes from the
bottle using a "parts brush." (10 cents US at Flea Markets)
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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kevin bailey

The lime sulphur has a slight preservative effect but will not stop any
healing over. Carving the edges correctly and sometimes repeatedly is
necessary. If used concentrated, (neat) its main effect is is bleaching
the wood. This can result in an unnatural stark white appearance - liked
by some but despised by many. Much better to mix a little gray or brown
pigment such as ink, soot or watercolour paint in with it and test first
on a piece of unwanted deadwood. Do your bleaching outdoors! And take
care not to allow any lime sulphur to get onto bark or soil.

It is also used dilute as a winter wash and an insecticide but this is
not something I use it for.

Cheers

Kev Bailey
Vale Of Clwyd, North Wales

Just currently in the process of reading a book on Bonsai (Koreshoff)
and
have seen a mention or 2 of Lime Sulphur.
I understand it's uses in general but when it comes to bonsai I don't
fully
understand.
1) If I were to wound a tree by carving it and apply LS is it true that
it
will stop disease and stop the wound eventually filling in/healing over,
so
as to keep that look.
If so what rate approx should I apply it, and how often?
2) When applying it to jin, does it create/keep the wood looking old?
Any other uses apart from fungal problems when it comes to Lime Sulphur
and
Bonsai

Thanks for any help

Andrew
Mid North Coast
New South Wales
Australia


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Michael Persiano

<Andrew writes:

Hi everyone,

Just currently in the process of reading a book on Bonsai (Koreshoff) and
have seen a mention or 2 of Lime Sulphur.
I understand it's uses in general but when it comes to bonsai I don't fully
understand.
1) If I were to wound a tree by carving it and apply LS is it true that it
will stop disease and stop the wound eventually filling in/healing over, so
as to keep that look.
If so what rate approx should I apply it, and how often?
2) When applying it to jin, does it create/keep the wood looking old?
Any other uses apart from fungal problems when it comes to Lime Sulphur and
Bonsai>

Andrew:

Young wood, trees under 20 years of age, are all susceptible to decay. Extremely old trees with extremely compressed growth rings, are less likely to succumb to decay.

With this said, lime sulfur is not an elixir when it comes to preventing rot and fungal disease. It does help.

Lime sulfur is more a cosmetic when applied to carved wood than a powerful fungal remedy. While it does help to protect the wood, I would suggest the following:

1. Carve as desired or required.
2. Refine the carved area with a sanding wheel.
3. After allowing the wood to dry out, apply lime sulfur for cosmetic purposes. On extremely old material, it is a good idea to add Sumi ink to create the silvery look of aged wood.
4. After the lime sulfur dries, apply Minwax Wood Hardener to protect the exposed area.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++
************************************************** ******************************
>>-->> The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ <<--<<
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail BONSAI-REQUEST@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM +++++