After years of trial and error I've found the metal clips are the only device that definitely will stay in place. I have only used the large size. The tree will grow into the clip just as often as it grows into the trellis wire. I only used the clips at the top ten foot wire so wasn't concerned about girdling. Plastic tree tape did well on lower wires till the tree reached the top wire. Even with the trellis wire and clip completely grown into the tree it didn't seem to affect vigor even though it would be welcome high in the tree.
Only problem I've encountered is when it comes to tree removal if the tree has grown into the wire, it's not just a simple matter of unclipping the clip. Workers often had to carry wire cutters, loppers and a saw to release the tree. Problem is compounded if you want to reuse the trellis wire or leave it in place for the new trees. Mistakes happen and the trellis wire can accidently get cut or the galvanization scraped off. One way to get away from the problems is to use the metal clip to attach a stake, conduit, etc to the wire then tie the tree to the support. Of course that involves the expense of a stake that can really add up with trees two feet apart. Bill Fleming Montana State University Western Ag Research Center 580 Quast Ln Corvallis, MT 59828 (406)961-3025 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nick Lucking Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 5:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Apple-Crop: Attaching trees to trellis Hello everyone, I see that the U clip is a popular item to attach B.9, M.9, etc. trees to a trellis. Are you guys going with the larger version to allow for growth or is the smaller version better for this application? Does anyone have any problems with the metal rubbing bark of the tree? Thanks for the input, Nick Lucking Field Manager Cannon Valley Orchard Cannon Falls, MN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[email protected]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[email protected]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
