Yes, string works just the same way but doesn't need to be removed and is much cheaper and faster. Plain old garden twine works as well as pea twine. You first tie a simple loop onto the branch to be trained, and then tie a tautline hitch (basically a slip knot) around either the base of the tree or a lower branch, and then adjust the slip knot to pull the flexible branch down as low as you want it to go. It works really slick and is incredibly fast and easy.
Also, if you get over-zealous and break a young branch, try wrapping it with plain old masking tape instead of grafting parafilm - the tape is not only cheaper but sticks better, is stronger in terms of holding the branch in place to heal, and lasts a bit longer - but breaks down in the end just as well. I get full healing of about 60-70% of branches. Jodi Lew-Smith Sweetgrass Farm and Orchard Hardwick, Vermont -----Original Message----- From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Black Diamond Farm Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 9:14 AM To: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net Subject: Apple-Crop: Wire limb spreaders > About 10 years ago we bought a bunch of wire limb spreaders in 2 > sizes. For a certain stage of growth (between clothespins and > notched angle spreaders) they are the only type of spreader that > I've found that > works for limbs that are still flexible. > > Since we can't post photos to the list-serve, let me attempt to > describe them: Each spreader consists of a firm wire that you hook around the main trunk of the tree. The other part of the wire extends out (they come in a couple of lengths) a ways along the limb. There's a gentle hook that you place on the limb to hold it down, maybe 12 or 15 inches out. > We recently put in a new block of trees and next spring will need > more of these spreaders. > Does anyone know of a supplier who still sells these? > > Thanks, > Jackie Merwin > Black Diamond Farm > Trumansburg, NY > www.incredapple.com > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
