Tree Cabling & Bracing

Tree will grow in manners that disable them from supporting their own weigh.  This is largely the situation of more mature multi-trunked trees as well as trees with large, open canopies.  Under the strain of their own weight, these trees can be damaged, cause human injury, and generally contribute to the decline of the tree.  Bracing and cabling are arborists' techniques to strengthens a tree's own ability to support its own weight.  

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Tree Bracing & Cabling Introduction

Through proper pruning and trimming as well as using bracing rods and cables, the likelihood of tree structural failure is greatly reduced.  Tree branch weight redistribution can be obtained through the proper use of cables and bracing rods.  Through a combined technique of both cabling and bracing, a tree's existing weigh issues can be properly addressed.  Contacting one of our certified arborists is best in determining the benefits that can be obtained using on or both of these practices.  

Bracing & Cabling a Tree

As a tree matures, the branches and limbs' angles to the main trunk(s) determine the integrity of its structure.  The degree of these angles determines the strength of the limbs: "U" shaped branch grow is much stronger and "V" or "L" shaped growth.   Younger trees are not susceptible to any particular style of limb growth as the weight of the limbs are minimal.  However, as the tree grows, matures, and the limbs become heavier, those angles to the trunks are critical for its structural integrity.  Further a mature tree will have a heavier canopy as well as be more prone to the weight of ice, snow, and wet leaves.    Well placed cables will redistribute this weight permitting the limbs to support themselves and others.  

Bracing & Cabling Trees with Multi-Trunks

Multi-trunked trees are, by their very structure, prone to failure.  Due to its growth nature, each trunk competes for canopy room, causing the branches and leaves to grow away from the center of the tree's axis.   Additional, the root systems themselves also compete for space, causing them to grow out wider providing for a less deep base.  And just a single failure in one of the trunks can have collateral damage to the entire tree.   Both bracing with rods and cabling can significantly reduce the inherent risks of multi-trunked trees.  Each multi-trunked tree is different, so contact Timberlake's Tree certified arborists for the ideal bracing and cable configuration suited for your tree.