I have had pretty good luck making branch spreaders from hardwood dowels
or garden stakes, with nails driven into the ends then cut off with a
lineman's pliers. If the nails tend to split the ends, they can be
pre-drilled, or you can try a smaller nail. The wood can be cut to any
desired length, and the nails, which are inserted firmly into the limb,
never seem to be resented by developing trees. They will hold their
place through very high winds, and they will last for many years.