Tree cabling is a technique that provides supplemental support for trees that have been damaged or that have grown in such a way that they may be susceptible to damage. Done properly, cabling can save a tree and provide many more years of healthy growth, but it is not always an appropriate choice. Your local tree expert can help you determine if tree cabling is the answer for saving your trees.
Why cable a tree?
Your local tree expert may suggest cabling if your tree is healthy but has weaknesses inherent to its growth pattern. This could be a week union between two main branches or a crotch that forms a double trunk. Such growth patterns can be vulnerable to high wind or heavy wet snow, which could damage an otherwise healthy tree beyond repair.
In cases where damage has already occurred due to storms or wind, tree cabling may be appropriate to save the tree if it is not too severe.
In other cases, cabling may be used for a tree that is healthy but is growing in an environment where it could present a hazard to people or property, such as an often-used park area or a home or other structure.
Cabling provides support in the form of bolts and bracing so that the weight of a vulnerable branch is spread out over other solid parts of the tree. A weak branch is less vulnerable to wind, a split trunk is prevented from splitting further, or proper growth is encouraged in a tree that is struggling. Older trees with double trunks or co-dominant stems can benefit from cabling, as these areas are especially vulnerable to damage during storms.
While pruning should always be a first choice to reduce weight or radical growth on a tree, sometimes cabling can be appropriate if the tree cannot be pruned enough to solve the issue. Over pruning can be unsightly and can lead to disease, where cabling may be able to stabilize the tree.
When cabling is not the answer
Not every tree can be saved. Your local tree expert will advise against cabling if:
- Pruning will serve the tree better
- The tree is dying
- The weak branch or section of the tree is diseased
Cabling can be a great solution for your otherwise healthy trees, and it may not be a forever need. If a tree is protected with proper cabling, it may grow healthy and strong, allowing the braces to be removed once weight has been removed with careful pruning.
If you believe a tree on your property would benefit from cabling, contact Linger’s Lumberjacks for expert cabling and consistent maintenance and inspection of all your trees. Click here for information about all Linger’s tree, stump grinding, and lot clearing services.