Tree bracing and cabling services help you achieve various goals, with a common outcome of giving the trees adequate supplemental support by restoring their structural integrity. Trees are living systems that shield you from extreme weather conditions, act as a wildlife refuge, protect your property, and also preserve your health. At times, they will require human-made protection to keep them healthy, increase their lifespan and boost structural integrity. Since trees respond to stimuli while carrying out daily functions, they will require beneficial attention. In such instances, cables and braces come into play to provide the needed support.
What is Tree Bracing and Cabling?
Bracing and cabling are techniques used to hold the tree points of weakness together to avoid falling or splitting apart. The weaknesses result from structural defects around the crown, branches, bark, stems, or the trunk. Cabling aims to support a tree with a structural defect in its upper region. Some of these aggravating factors include the cracks and cavities in the major and connective branches. When the steel rods are fixed between the branches, the tree canopy can move freely and naturally with reduced risk of falling even on severe weather. Bracing happens at the lower parts near the union or the tree crotch. It is a rigid application, unlike cabling, and it aims to support the entire tree. If your tree has a dangerous crack, then bracing will keep it safe.
Signs that You Need to Embrace Tree Bracing and Cabling:
Many different aspects, factors, and circumstances can alter the tree's structural integrity. Most often, the trees are in good health, but with poor structure. That means you don’t have to cut it down when you notice a fault. Instead, embrace bracing and cabling. The key signs to check include:
Lopsided or imbalanced canopy
Branches that move heavily
Tight crotches that are poorly attached to the main trunk
Visible cavities and lines of weakness at the various tree sections
Trees distress sounds beyond the obvious
Heavy, large and multiple stems
In each case, the approach used varies. A certified arborist will carry out an extensive examination to know whether your tree needs bracing, cabling, or other support systems.
Understanding the Tree Bracing and Cabling Techniques:
The entire undertaking starts with the assessment of the entire tree. The arborist checks the tree structural soundness, i.e., the root system, extent of decay, weakness, splitting, and infestation, among others. The move helps to know whether to opt for bracing and cabling services or tree removal. When tree bracing, the expert will map the affected area to develop a work strategy. The approach also helps to determine the size and number of rods required. For instance, in case of a large separation, an addition will help close the crack. Upon completion of the assessment, small holes are drilled, and the threaded steel rod inserted. The nuts and washers secure the rods. Tree cabling utilizes two support systems. They include static and dynamic cabling. Static cabling involves fastening the cable to the tree with a steel hook, wire stop, or a lag bolt connector. In dynamic cabling, the mitigation is by a special braided and elastic rope that allows movement.
Why Cabling and Bracing?
The three main reasons why you need cabling and bracing Include:
Prevention – It helps you prevent the chances of losing a healthy tree that might have an easy to fix structural defect.
Restoration – Cabling and bracing restore the damaged parts increasing the lifespan of your tree.
Mitigation – If the faulty tree is near your home or in a place with heavy traffic, fixing helps mitigate the risks that result from tree falling.
If you feel that your tree needs Bracing and cabling, don’t hesitate to take action today. Don’t worry about the entire process because your arborist will have an inspection schedule to ensure everything falls into place. Besides, the tree will, later on, develop new and strong tissues that will encompass the used hardware. Such tissues improve your tree support system.