LST- Rookie Mistake

[markyates]

Yesterday afternoon (7/19/22) I was installing the first layer of 6x6 plastic trellis over my plants, and arranging the branches for maximum spread. I was trying to be very careful not to over bend any of the branches. Unfortunately though, one of my plants split right in the crotch of the two main branches that grew from where I topped the plant when it was a seedling. The main stock (below the “Y”) is 1-1/8” (28.5mm) in diameter, and the split starting at the “Y” is 1-1/2” (38.1mm) long. I immediately raised the trellis and pulled the two main branches back together to close the split. I then went a couple of inches above the split and tied the two main branches back together with some green plastic gardeners tape, to hold the split together. Then I tightly wrapped the main stock for the entire length of the split all the way back up to the "Y". My questions are: Is this an acceptable method of repair? Is there a better technique to utilize in this situation? Is there any kind of salve or ointment that I should have put in the split before I closed it together? Can I be restricting the transfer of water/nutrients from the roots to the leaves, by wrapping the tape too tight around the stock? It’s a bummer, because this plant is my healthiest and most vigorous grower… Any advice from the veteran growers in this community, would be greatly appreciated. P.S. This injury occurred about 18 hours ago as of the time of this writing…

 

[Carcass]

Hard to believe, but a split like that doesn't usually bother the plant at all.

Electrical tape, or a zip tie is all you really need to hold things back
together, but your method should work just fine too- it won't pinch off the nutrients, but you may need to loosen the gardeners tape as the plant grows, to make sure it doesn't get too tight.

Is there any kind of salve or ointment that I should have put in the split before I closed it together?

I've sealed the cracks up with a little Elmers glue, just to keep any nasties out...but it's not really necessary.

Welcome to 420, Mark!

 

[013]

no worries - yup rookie lst mistake that we ALL have made

next time when you top a plant be sure to leave a lengthy stub sticking up above the last pair of limbs…… the long stub will help prevent the stalk from splitting when you train limbs out.

welcome aboard markyates

 

[EZCalyx]

Yup, many of us have been there. Make sure to always water well before training exercises. You want her supple and pliable. When she's all dehydrated she's liable to snap when you spread her branches. You spread her open when she was thirsty.