Falling branches and limbs from large trees can damage your home or vehicle, and a nasty storm can uproot a tree altogether. Tree cabling and bracing can ensure your mature trees are stable and safe. Here’s how cabling and bracing works and how to know if your trees need it.
WHAT IS TREE CABLING AND BRACING?
Tree cabling and bracing refers to a method of stabilizing trees that are at risk of falling over or having branches break off. The technique involves using a series of steel cables and rods to redistribute the tree’s weight and make it more secure. Cabling can create up to 4,500 kilograms of tension between the trunk, branches and cable.
However, tree cabling needs to be performed by a professional arborist who can identify a tree’s pressure points and plan the best support methods. Done correctly, cabling and bracing can add between 10 and 15 years to the life of a tree.
WHAT TREES NEED CABLING AND BRACING?
Some trees develop defects that lead to poor weight distribution. Trunks and large limbs can start splitting and eventually fall over if left unattended. Here are some common kinds of problematic growth problems:
Trees with codominant ‘v-crotch’ trunks. A trunk that looks like a letter V is called a codominant stem. A tree with two trunks is generally weaker than one with a single trunk because there’s a higher risk that the tree’s weight will become unbalanced. If a tree with a codominant stem is young, removing one of the stems will promote the growth of a strong, single stem. If the tree is mature, an arborist can use tree cabling to increase the tree’s stability and help prevent one of the stems from breaking away.
Trees with overextended limbs. Unusually long limbs are prone to break where the limbs connect to the stem. A heavy, wet snowfall or a strong windstorm could be all it takes for a limb to crash into your home. Cabling can help the tree withstand extreme weather conditions by minimizing its movements.
Poorly anchored or transplanted trees. If you’ve recently transplanted a tree, you may want to consider giving it some artificial support until its roots have the opportunity to reach deeper into the ground. Bracing and cabling can give your trees a more secure start.
TREE CABLING AND BRACING IN EDMONTON AND SURROUNDING AREAS
At All Season Tree Service, our team of arborists has the know-how to ensure your trees aren’t at risk to you or your property. In addition to our tree cabling service, we also provide tree removals and are available 24/7 in case of an emergency. To schedule a tree inspection or learn more, contact us today.