A tree that loses main limbs may be unsightly and can be unbalanced in appearance. Inspections by our arborists may help to avoid such a loss and also help to reduce risk. Often, a tree that has lost its structural integrity can be properly pruned to lessen weight problems or reduce excessive sailing effects caused by heavy winds blowing against the tree.
We use cabling techniques that may be effective in extending the useful life of structurally flawed trees. Under certain circumstances, threaded metal rods are strategically placed in parts of the main trunk to help hold such a tree together. Proper placement of steel cables and/or steel threaded rods in a tree is best left to an arborist. Improperly installed braces of any kind may do more harm than good. According to standards, cable and brace systems must be inspected periodically to check for damage and proper function.
The steel hardware used for cable installation is threaded into the wood, never wrapped around the branch or trunk. Knowledge and placement of hardware require considerable experience. This is not a task for amateurs. Cables are installed high in the tree so leverage factors are in the tree’s favor. The cable is seldom visually unpleasant.
It is important to remember that cable and bracing systems are not foolproof. Systems must be combined with proper pruning to reduce the risk of failure. Under extreme conditions, trees can fail even where cable and brace systems are in place. Some trees are so flawed that cable and brace systems should not be installed. If you have trees that you believe to be structurally unsound, we may be able to address that concern by proper cabling and bracing.
