Allotments 4 All

Can anyone give me some advice regarding greasebands / fruit trees - I think now is the time to put a grease band around the base (?) of my apple tree, but I have some Q's:

1  what grease do I use - will vaseline be OK
2  can I just smear it on, or do I need to cover it with a cloth
3  will I need to reapply ?

Thanks
mc

I do not think Vaseline would stay 'sticky' for any length of time. See here http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1000/grease_bands.asp.
The difference in cost of using the correct grease is minimal.

you can buy the grease bands all ready to go on a roll, they even have the string in the pack. They must be cheep 'cos I buy them :D I like ' growing success ' they are kid and pet friendly.

be careful of the stuff you paint on, I kept leaning on it when pruning, it don't half stick to your clothes and hands, it's not easy to get off ; :)

I usually smear on grease I get from the mechanical department at work. Works a treat. Change it every few months and take old stuff back to work for disposal.