Asymetrix
Yamadori
I have been using aluminum tape for 2 years and while my evidence is anecdotal I'm reasonably objective.
It is able to be pressed into every nook and cranny and fits any form well. Small tools, picks, chopsticks etc. can aid in pressing it into stubborn spaces. Using a soft rag or towel and rubbing it will also press it into very tiny cracks etc. The adhesive is fairly strong and while I haven't pulled off bark or cambium I could see that as an issue but lightly picking at the edge with a razor has worked when it was stuck.
I think it is best suited to smooth bark deciduous species as it will most definitely pull off flaky or loose conifer bark. It did damage slightly the bark on a boxwood with mature craggy bark but nothing terrible.
It provides a neat and tidy look and it definitely a conversation starter for those unfamiliar.
It does seem to increase rapidity of healing and also seems to help keep the new cambium more contoured and flat. Again just personal observations with no control to compare it to. I have healed wounds just over an inch halfway or more in one season but I work with mostly hardy deciduous.
I should note I still seal wounds lightly with various sealants and razor the newly exposed cambium edge before applying the tape.
I'm only intermediate in my bonsai studies but wound healing and care is a top priority for us deciduous guys and this method has worked well thus far. Of course re scoring the cambium periodically is still helpful. The hardest part for me is just leaving it alone and not peeking under it.
It also does well but it hard to remove as a cover for darkly colored pots or other pots susceptible to heat. It drastically reduced pot temps on some of my shohin that were getting rediculously hot in summer. Obviously aluminum foil can be used without the fear of sticking to your high quality pots.
It will stay on all season but I wouldn't use on too expensive of a pot as usually you will have to scrape it off.
I use it for many projects, household or otherwise, again the only caveat being it can be very annoying to remove but always comes off.
Hope that's helpful. I just buy the cheapest stuff at lowes from the HVAC area.
Michael
It is able to be pressed into every nook and cranny and fits any form well. Small tools, picks, chopsticks etc. can aid in pressing it into stubborn spaces. Using a soft rag or towel and rubbing it will also press it into very tiny cracks etc. The adhesive is fairly strong and while I haven't pulled off bark or cambium I could see that as an issue but lightly picking at the edge with a razor has worked when it was stuck.
I think it is best suited to smooth bark deciduous species as it will most definitely pull off flaky or loose conifer bark. It did damage slightly the bark on a boxwood with mature craggy bark but nothing terrible.
It provides a neat and tidy look and it definitely a conversation starter for those unfamiliar.
It does seem to increase rapidity of healing and also seems to help keep the new cambium more contoured and flat. Again just personal observations with no control to compare it to. I have healed wounds just over an inch halfway or more in one season but I work with mostly hardy deciduous.
I should note I still seal wounds lightly with various sealants and razor the newly exposed cambium edge before applying the tape.
I'm only intermediate in my bonsai studies but wound healing and care is a top priority for us deciduous guys and this method has worked well thus far. Of course re scoring the cambium periodically is still helpful. The hardest part for me is just leaving it alone and not peeking under it.
It also does well but it hard to remove as a cover for darkly colored pots or other pots susceptible to heat. It drastically reduced pot temps on some of my shohin that were getting rediculously hot in summer. Obviously aluminum foil can be used without the fear of sticking to your high quality pots.
It will stay on all season but I wouldn't use on too expensive of a pot as usually you will have to scrape it off.
I use it for many projects, household or otherwise, again the only caveat being it can be very annoying to remove but always comes off.
Hope that's helpful. I just buy the cheapest stuff at lowes from the HVAC area.
Michael
