Chase looks for the best side to work from.
The split is begun at a fork two thirds
of the way up the trunk.
An extra hand is often a help, as is a chopstick to keep the split open.
Great care is taken at this point!
With the splitting completed, the tree is now ready for the application of raffia prior to wiring.
Raffia is wrapped very tightly around both halves of the trunk. The purpose of the raffia is twofold: One, to support the cambium layer and preserve a "life-line", and second, to cushion the bark when the wire is applied. Raffia also keeps small breaks and cracks from drying out, thereby ensuring the survival of the tree.
Seven or eight strands of raffia are wound in a very tight spiral from to base to the top of the split. The large chopstick was necessary to keep the two halves spread apart so raffia could be applied.
