METAL TAGS OUT THERE FOR MARKING TREES

[Pitoon]

I use these aluminum tags, worth every penny!

Metal Plant Labels, Aluminum Plant Tags , 6 Inch

 

[penumbra]

At one time I was keeping over 1300 different pots of orchids plus 50 or more pre-bonsai. I was repotting 50 plants a day in season. Currently I am under 100 orchids. Still around 50 pre-bonsai, and maybe 5 bonsai in display pots.

So there is hope. If you were dealing with all of that and returned to a modicum of sanity, there is hope for all of us.

 

[ShadyStump]

I use these aluminum tags, worth every penny!

Metal Plant Labels, Aluminum Plant Tags , 6 Inch

I think these are similar to what I was talking about earlier.
You do run the risk of the tags getting so bent or crumpled that they become unreadable, but that would take some real damage, the sort that likely affect your trees more than the tags.

 

[KikurageOtomo]

So there is hope. If you were dealing with all of that and returned to a modicum of sanity, there is hope for all of us.

Until I get a caddie for them there is no hope of law and order for my spools of wire.

 

[August44]

I use these aluminum tags, worth every penny!

Metal Plant Labels, Aluminum Plant Tags , 6 Inch

Are those the ones that are extremely thin? I think I sent those back after receiving them because of how thin they were.

 

[Paradox]

At one time I was keeping over 1300 different pots of orchids plus 50 or more pre-bonsai. I was repotting 50 plants a day in season. Currently I am under 100 orchids. Still around 50 pre-bonsai, and maybe 5 bonsai in display pots.

It is worth investing $40 for a box of 1000 new plant tags, rather than saving and recycling used ones.

I havent gone through all the ones I ordered yet I think I got 200 10 years ago so for me that isnt doing the volume that you were its fine.
I dont have the room for so many and Im not doing propagation where you would need that many tags

 

[penumbra]

Are those the ones that are extremely thin? I think I sent those back after receiving them because of how thin they were.

The nature of these tags is that they must be thin in order to emboss them easily. I have some trees that have had these tags for well over 10 years.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Please share what two markers u are testing pls. I have used one labeled Staedtler permanent garden marker Lumocolor. I found it to be worthless.

The two brands:

Staedtler permanent garden Lumocolor
Artline Garden Marker

I am getting good results from both on white plastic garden tags.

 

[Sansokuu]

I have considered making porcelain tags that you could write on with either permanent marker or a 2b pencil, but they would probably be too fancy and expensive.

 

[Lorax7]

I use these copper-plated steel ones.

 

[Lorax7]

I use these copper-plated steel ones.

Here's the Amazon link.

 

[Pitoon]

Are those the ones that are extremely thin? I think I sent those back after receiving them because of how thin they were.

They are very thin, but hold up very well. I have some on plants that's going on a few years now. I use a ball point pen and just write on them. As you write you basically emboss the tag and it's permanent.

 

[Japonicus]

@Japonicus uses metal tags, maybe he will share his insight.

I had to go back to 2018 in my Amazon orders to find those.
I use both sides and add on a new tag to the existing one for history
including date, species and small notes like BR or bare rooted...
Using an ink pen pressing the details into the soft double aluminum facing
and usually the impression does not transfer to the opposite side unless I bare down too hard.

With plastic, I think the material out lasts the Sharpie permanent ink I use.
With the metal impression the ink doesn't matter. In ground projects are easily read with
a smear of the thumb across any mud or dirt that has accumulated on the surface.
The thin wires provided do need replacing every few years.


Here's one example 4.5 yrs old.

 

[Japonicus]

Just enter

Amekron Impress-O-Tags Aluminum Plant Label Tree Tags Pot Label Tag Outdoor Marker​

in search field on Amazon and a vast array of all types of labels will result including copper and plastic.

 

[BrightsideB]

For markers I’ve found the metallic silver or gold sharpies have lasted over 3 years outside so far without hardly any wear. I’m an engraver if you or anyone wants something fancy I have plenty of bronze

 

[Japonicus]

@August44
I was unaware of a material between the layers so i poked around and found this to be true with the ones i use too.
However, the material used on these have never failed yet.
Is this the brand you've used?

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I TRY TO USE METAL/ALUMINUM TAGS TO HANG ON TREES AND PUT THE COMMON NAME, WHAT ZONE, WHEN COLLECTED, WHEN REPOTTED ETC. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TYPES. THERE IS THE TWO-SIDED IMPRESSIONABLE ONES THAT ARE PRETTY NEAT AND EASILY MARKED ON WITH A BALL POINT PEN THAT PUTS AN IMPRESSION IN THE ALUMINUM. YOU CAN DO BOTH SIDES AND THEY ARE PRETTY HANDY. THE PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND WITH THEM IS THAT THE SIDES ARE SEALED, BUT THE ENDS ARE NOT. THERE IS SOME TYPE OF PAPER TYPE BOARD IN BETWEEN THE PIECES OF METAL AND PRETTY SOON WATER COMES IN THE ENDS AND SOAKS THAT UP AND THINGS GO TO HECK AFTER THAT. THE TAG JUST FALLS APART AND LOOKS TERRIBLE. THEN I FOUND SOME THAT WERE PRETTY SOLID WITH NOTHING IN THE MIDDLE BUT THEY ARE ABOUT IMPOSSIBLE TO IMPRESS WITH A PEN OR ANYTHING ELSE EXCEPT A SMALL ENGRAVER WHICH TAKES TIME. ANY OF THESE TAGS THAT YOU WRITE ON WITH MARKERS ETC ARE A JOKE. THEY FADE OUT OR WASH OFF PRETTY QUICK.

ANYONE HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT I SHOULD BE USING? HELP APPRECIATED!

Can you seal the edges with 100% silicone to prevent water from ruining them?

 

[August44]

Can you seal the edges with 100% silicone to prevent water from ruining them?

Yes and I have done this but sure wish they made them impressionable with sides and ends sealed. If they do, I can't find them. There are way to many choices!

 

[August44]

@August44
I was unaware of a material between the layers so i poked around and found this to be true with the ones i use too.
However, the material used on these have never failed yet.
Is this the brand you've used?View attachment 459728View attachment 459729

I can't remember if I used these or not. Are the ends sealed?

 

[PowerTap]

View attachment 459679

Very bored once and did this, cut off the top and bottom, cut sides into strips. Fold the edges and hammer between to pieces of wood to crimp the edges so they aren’t sharp. Use a nail to make hole to hang and then use the mail to scribe the text.

Drink another beer and repeat!

I like the drink beer part.