What are the signs your tree may need structural support?
Over time, many trees (especially those that haven't been properly pruned) develop structural weaknesses, such as:
Large, heavy, or multiple stems.
Branches that move around too much, making them particularly vulnerable to breakage from strong winds.
Tight crotches or upright branches that aren't well attached to the main tree trunk, making them more prone to splitting in half (Bradford pear trees are notorious for this).
These are all situations where structural support, such as cabling or bracing, can help protect your tree and save your property from damage.
What is Cabling? Bracing?
Simply put, cabling and bracing are ways to hold your tree together so it doesn’t drop branches or split apart.
Tree Cabling
When structural issues are identified, we may recommend installing a high-strength tensile steel cable in the upper crown of the tree. Cabling prevents branches from moving around as much – as a result, they’re less likely to break during a storm. The cables are attached to the tree using bolts installed through the branches.
Tree Bracing
Bracing involves installing a long threaded rod through several branches or stems where they’re weak and likely to split. The rod gives more support than a cable and limits the degree of twisting that can happen during violent weather.
Our Certified Arborist use approved materials and techniques that conform to all professional ANSI industry standards.
Does your tree need structural support?
Cabling and bracing should only be installed by a Certified Arborist after a thorough inspection and evaluation of the tree.
If you notice any signs of structural problems in your trees, give us a call at 330.483.1150.
We’ll inspect your trees to see if cabling or bracing can help, or if a corrective pruning program is called for instead. Often, a combination of proper pruning and cabling/bracing can help extend the life and improve the safety of important landscape trees.