Maples , wire , when to advice

[snox7]

Here in the UK a few of my maples are dropping leafs and it's seems from what I have read in a ideal world mid summer is the best time to wire , but I don't do much wiring so figured either now or in spring due to lack of experience and worry of getting in a mess while trees are in full leaf .
Am I right in thinking in spring would take less time to set the branches ? Or am I best going for it now ? Oh and will frost potentially be a problem with wire on maples ? If so can pop them in a greenhouse during frosts .
Thanks .

 

[Dav4]

Wiring is effective because trees add wood as they grow and eventually become fixed in the newly wired position. If you apply wire now, it’ll stay on all winter anyway and the new position may not be fully fixed but there’s no harm either way. Fwiw, The best time to wire deciduous trees in general is in the spring as the new growth is beginning to lignify… applying wire to this new growth is very effective at that point and typically only needs to be left on for a month or two at most.

 

[snox7]

Am much as I would like to get stuck in now I think spring will be best , as you say spring is going to be most effective. Appreciate the reply

 

[Shibui]

Bare branches are much easier to wire so I do most of my deciduous wiring while the trees are dormant. It may not take much effect through the dormant period but it is on and ready to work as soon as the trees start to grow in spring.
I've heard some opinions that wire and frost don't mix but never actually seen any adverse reactions so I think that's just another of the many bonsai myths.

 

[Mats Hagström]

I find wiring maple to be difficult. The best time is considdered spring. The problem, is they are about to grow rapidly and the wire will bite in and can leave unforgiving marks. Maples are also known for eliminating branches sometimes for what seems to be no reason but usually because the branch is lacking in vigor. Wiring often causes branches to slow down so you can lose branches from this. I often wire long new growth late summer that I intend to use for propagation. The branches tolerate much more bending before they harden off. The next year these can be taken as cuttings or air layer the following year. I mostly do clip n grow but it all depends

 

[JadedEvan]

• Wire in the spring. You need to catch the new growth while it is still flexible and hasn't lignified
• Use a larger size wire. By using a larger diameter wire you reduce the opportunity for the wire biting in so quickly
• Don't leave the wire more than 4-6 months. Wire will bite in much faster than you think
• I find little value in wiring in fall, I would prefer to directionally prune than to wire