Weak branches are a problem for homeowners and tree lovers alike. Not only can they be unsightly, but they can endanger you or your family in an extreme weather event. When that’s the case, you need to consider tree cabling.
What is Tree Cabling?
Tree cabling uses extra high strength steel cables to hold a tree branch in place. This process helps create support systems for weak branches, and it can guide a tree’s growth in the right direction.
An arborist uses cables to stabilize a tree’s physical structure in cases where the tree can no longer support its own weight. Cabling cannot be used to keep unhealthy, dying trees from falling apart though. Instead, they’re used to assist healthy but oddly shaped or slightly injured trees maintain their structural integrity during heavy winds or severe weather.
When an arborist cables a tree, long-term problems like inefficient growth and dangerously weak branches can be avoided. Tree cabling is a common solution that can help many homeowners and can keep you and your trees safe in the long-run.
Why Should I Consider Cabling My Tree?
If caught early, tree structure issues can usually be solved through strategic pruning. However, after a tree is mature most structural issues will require tree cabling or bracing.
- Prevention. Support systems are used in prevention when a healthy tree has some structural issues that are spotted during a routine inspection. Installing an additional support system in these scenarios reduces the chance of the structural issues causing damage to people or property.
- Restoration. Support systems are used for restoration when a tree has suffered storm damage, been injured by construction work, or endured extreme temperatures. By cabling in this situation, you can maintain what’s left of the healthy structure of the tree and protect it from future damage.
- Mitigation. Support systems are used to mitigate risks in healthy trees without structural issues that are in areas where considerable damage to people or property could occur if the tree was to fall unexpectedly.
When Should You Cable a Tree?
here are a couple of different reasons you may want to cable a tree. Here are some common reasons:
- You are trying to train your tree to grow in a certain direction.
- There is a split or crack in your tree.
- You have a weak branch due to codominant stems.
Trees will naturally grow toward the sunlight. But sometimes the available light will lead a tree into situations that are compromising for you. If a tree seems to be growing too close to your home or over your driveway, you may want to consider cabling.
With the help of cables, you can convince young trees to grow in more favorable directions. This is one of the best ways to correct inconvenient tree structures.
Additionally, you may have a weak branch due to an extreme weather event or codominant stems. Codominant stems occur when branches of equal size emerge from the same origin point. As the tree grows, one of these branches will often become weaker and weigh on the rest of the tree.
Many people prefer to avoid this issue by pruning when the tree is young. But if you weren’t able to prune the tree, tree cabling can be a solution to your problem.
What Are Some Signs You May Need Tree Cabling?
Arborists will often consider cabling for a tree where there are signs of structural defects or instability. Here are some commons signs that indicate it could be time to consider cabling a tree:
- Tree Cracks. Cracking or splitting in the trunk of your tree is a sign of a potentially serious structural issue, and may require a support system. If you notice a crack call an arborist to check it out.
- V-Crotch/Codominant Stems. Codominant stems are two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin. They usually create the image of a “V”, hence the name V-Crotch. As the tree’s branches grow, V-Crotches become weak points in the tree. V-crotches are likely to split and cause the tree to fall.
- Heavy Foliage. Trees with dense, heavy canopies may be more prone to limb breakage, especially during storms or high winds. Cabling can help distribute the weight of the canopy more evenly and reduce the risk of branch failure.
- Leaning Tree. Trees normally have a little lean to them. A tree trunk curves because of the tree’s ability to adapt over time to the changing availability of sunlight. The tree’s root system will grow to accommodate this off-center weight distribution. However, if a tree suddenly begins to lean, starts leaning after a storm, or if the soil around the tree is cracked/heaving your tree may have a structural issue that requires tree cabling.
- Recent Storm Damage. If a tree has sustained damage from a recent storm, such as broken branches or split trunks, it may be more susceptible to further damage in the future. Cabling can help reinforce the tree and prevent additional damage.
- Proximity to Property or People. Trees that are located near structures, walkways, or areas where people gather pose a higher risk if they were to fail. Cabling can help limit the risk of failure by providing additional structural support to the tree.
How Is a Tree Cabled?
Tree cabling requires strong bolts, steel cables, and brace wire stops.
- Dynamic Cabling System. Allows for movement, flexibility, and controls the branches from splitting. A properly installed cabling system should not be highly visible but should blend in with the tree’s trunk and branches.
- Other Cabling Systems. Depending on the species and condition of the tree, other systems may be recommended such as steel or rod tree bracing. Taylor Expert Arborists can recommend the system that works best for your trees.
First, the arborist will have to decide where to drill holes in your tree. Your tree will heal from these holes, but we don’t want to drill more than necessary.
Then, the arborist climbs into the tree, drill the holes and insert the cable. The cable should be very tight so as to properly support the tree.
While it may seem possible to do this yourself, it is not as simple as it looks. Properly placing the cables in order to most efficiently correct the growth of a tree often requires an expert eye.
Additionally, climbing ladders and trees pose certain safety risks to someone not used to this kind of tree maintenance. Leave this type of work to the experts at Taylor Expert Arborists.
What If I Already Have A Cabling System?
For the safety of your tree, it’s important to have your support system inspected yearly by a licensed tree expert to make sure the system is intact and safe. Throughout the year, be sure to keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Broken or hanging limbs.
- Slack in the cabling.
- Fraying on the cables.
- Animal nests near the cabling system (especially squirrels).
How Do I Get an Estimate For Cabling and Bracing Services?
Contact Taylor Expert Arborists at the phone number, email, or the link below to request an estimate. Taylor Expert Arborists always provides free quotes in writing and includes any recommendations for cabling or bracing services. We have a wide range of cabling and bracing equipment and safety equipment to properly perform any additional support services necessary, and we always take into account accessibility and property preservation when bringing in equipment.
Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
I’ve Hired Taylor Expert Arborists, Now What?
So, you’ve made the smart decision to hire Taylor Expert Arborists to perform cabling services, now how do you prepare for the installation of a tree support system?
- Communicate with Your Neighbors: If installation of a tree support system may impact neighboring homeowners or if there are shared trees, inform your neighbors about the upcoming inspection. Discuss any concerns they may have and arrange access to their property if necessary.
- Clear the Work Area: Remove any obstacles or obstructions near the tree, such as vehicles, outdoor furniture, or garden decorations. Clearing the area around the tree will give the tree service ample space to work and maneuver equipment safely.
- Be Available for Communication: Ensure that you or another responsible person will be available on your property during the tree support installation process to answer any questions, provide access to the property, and address any unexpected issues that may arise with the tree service company.
- Keep Pets and Children Inside: Keep pets and children indoors or away from the work area during tree cabling or bracing to ensure their safety. Loud noises and heavy equipment can be frightening or dangerous for animals and young children.
- Follow the Safety Guidelines: Follow any safety guidelines or instructions provided by the tree service to ensure the safety of everyone involved. You must stay clear of the work area! If you want to watch the tree service, you may be required to wear the appropriate safety gear and following any temporary access or traffic control measures.
All homeowners having cabling and bracing services performed should take these steps to prepare their property for service. Doing so can help facilitate a smooth and successful process while minimizing risks to property and tree service company personnel.
Taylor Expert Arborists are hard-working tree care experts with years of experience, and offer tree support systems and recommendations for next steps. We are family-owned and offer residential, commercial, and municipal tree trimming and pruning services, tree removal services, tree maintenance, stump grinding, cabling and bracing services, tree health assessments, tree risk assessments, and emergency services. Taylor Expert Arborists are members of the New Jersey ISA and the New Jersey Society of Licensed Tree Experts.
Contact Us
We provide FREE consultations to all our clients! Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
