Cjr Tamarindus indica from seeds

[penumbra]

Is the electrical tape easy to remove without harming the bark?

 

[Cajunrider]

Does the electrical tape easy to remove without harming the bark?

Yes it is. I thought of using grafting tape but I couldn't find it in my shop so vinyl electrical tape it was. That tape has never harmed the bark before that I can remember. The thing about vinyl electrical tape is that it can be made to be water and vapor tight on fairly smooth trunks or branches. Can't leave it on too long but for healing of cuts it is mighty fine for me. As I mentioned before, I'll find out in 3-4 weeks. I probably will leave the tape on until spring to assure complete healing. After all that trunk was pretty much sawn to bits in that 2" segment.

I suppose I could have made a more drastic bend but I just wanted to make sure I can do it with Tamarind first. If successful, I might bend the other Tamarind tree a bit harder.

 

[Cajunrider]

I was a bit concerned with the trunk bend I did. I made 11 saw cuts 3/4 of the way across the trunk, leaving just a quarter inch left on one side. Then I bent the trunk until the gaps were closed and taped it with electrical vinyl tape. I didn't lose any of the few leaves I left on the tree and the tree is now showing buds. I think it is on the mend for sure. The tape will be removed in 4-6 weeks.

 

[Cajunrider]

Two weeks later and the trunk has already healed enough to remove the tape, a 1 mm layer of bark went with the tape just as you warned me @penumbra . I should have used the grafting tape. Not much harm done however. The tree has already thrown out lots of buds and is growing well.

 

[Cajunrider]

Two weeks later and the trunk has already healed enough to remove the tape, a 1 mm layer of bark went with the tape just as you warned me @penumbra . I should have used the grafting tape. Not much harm done however. The tree has already thrown out lots of buds and is growing well.
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My friends from Vietnam laughed at my feeble attempt and told me to cut bigger wedges next time. I will do that in the spring on the straight section of my other tamarind tree.

 

[Cajunrider]

Completely healed. The tree responded to the saw cuts by popping buds under the cuts as expected. Being too low they will not be developed. However, they will be kept for one growth season as sacrifice branch to improve taper.

 

[Cajunrider]

Top of the tree died from the early frost. Thankfully the bottom is still alive. Tree was chopped down to where I find living tissues.

 

[Cajunrider]

Top of the tree died from the early frost. Thankfully the bottom is still alive. Tree was chopped down to where I find living tissues.
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Potted today
Before


After

 

[Cajunrider]

Wire taken off today.