What should I use to support my trees?

Many choices are possible in canopies, so too in tree support. We have already discussed the various wire choices. But there are also several choices in support poles. For instance, you can choose between bamboo, metal or hardwood canes.

Why fruit support canes?

Within fruit growing, there are several options for supporting your trees. This can certainly be done with canes, but also with multiple wires. In the Netherlands, Bamboo, also known as tonkin canes, is widely used. One bamboo is often used per tree. This bamboo supports the tree in the growth process. The bamboo is attached to 3 wires, which in turn are attached to the concrete posts.

Tonkin (bamboo) canes

When you think of Tonkin sticks, you have to think of Bamboo. Bamboo sticks are available in many different sizes. From very small sticks of a few centimetres to long bamboo sticks of metres long.

In fruit growing, bamboo canes of 2 to 3 metres are mainly supplied. With a thickness of 20 - 26mm. These canes are widely used to support fruit trees. Combined with the right support wire, the tree is optimally supported.

Bamboo is a sustainable product, absorbing 5 times more carbon than a tree. In addition, bamboo also returns much more oxygen than trees do. Bamboo grows from its roots. Therefore, no new bamboo needs to be planted after 'grubbing' the bamboo. Normally, the plant itself can produce new bamboos again.

Carmo Wood support

The Carmo brand also offers support sticks. These sticks are thicker than the Bamboo sticks and are also higher in price. However, the quality of these is higher, and they come with a 20-year guarantee to preserve the sticks. These sticks usually have a length of 2.5 metres and a diameter of 4x4 centimetres.

The strength of these sticks lies in the material. The entire production process has been mapped out. And the quality of the material is paramount at Carmo.

Hardwood sticks

Besides bamboo and carmo sticks, hardwood sticks are also available. Generally, the length of these sticks is 2.5 metres and have a diameter of 20mm. And are well comparable to Bamboo in terms of dimensions.

The lifespan of these sticks is higher than Bamboo. In recent years, it can be seen that the availability of the material is low. This is in contrast to bamboo and Carmo sticks.

Metal and aluminium poles

Besides bamboo and wood, metal and aluminium sticks are also available. Metal canes are used more than aluminium. The advantage of these two types is their weight and residual value. Especially with aluminium, the residual value of the material is high and well reusable! Aluminium sticks are a lot more expensive compared to bamboo or wooden sticks, though. The price of metal sticks is also higher in this.

But what should I choose?

Your choice of a specific species depends mainly on your needs and requirements. Suppose you want to keep it the traditional way, choose bamboo. If you want sticks with a higher residual value, choose metal or aluminium sticks. On the other hand, if you are interested in thicker sticks, the carmo support stick could be a good option for you.

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