Your Cabling and Bracing Questions Answered

When your tree needs support to reduce chances of branch failure, cabling and bracing may be a good option for you. If you have questions, our ISA Certified Arborists have the answer.

1. When should you cable a tree?

A tree needs to be cabled prior to a major limb or branch failure.  Identification of weak areas in a tree is the first step in the process.  The installation time frame may be influenced by species and the season.

2. What is cabling and bracing a tree?

Cabling describes using cable(s) anchored to trees to restrict the movement of branches which can greatly reduce the risk of failure of weak branch unions.  Bracing describes the use of rods within a tree typically used to reduce the risk of branches spreading apart from one another.  These two systems can be used together depending on the individual tree’s needs.

3. Why do we install cables?

Cables are used to limit the distance that branches move in relation to each other to help avoid failing.  Often used when supporting V-shaped, codominant stems, cabling can preserve a tree in the landscape that otherwise may need to be removed.   

4. Why should professionals complete cabling and bracing?

Though the concepts involved with cabling and bracing are intuitive, the materials used, and the placement of the systems need to be done in a very specific way to avoid further harm to the tree.  In addition, working at heights above the ground can cause bodily injury if a fall occurs during installation.  Professionals know these risks and take preventive measures to avoid harm.

5. How will bracing prevent trees from splitting?

Bracing provides additional support using rods to help avoid parts of trees (usually branches) from splitting apart from each other.  Bark seams may indicate weak points in the structure of a tree and are often the targeted area for bracing.  

6. What types of trees benefit most from cabling and bracing?

Trees that have not had proper pruning while young are more likely to need support systems.  Certain types of trees like Autumn Blaze Maples tend to be more prone to structural issues which increases the need for cabling and/or bracing.

Call your Wachtel Tree Science ISA Certified Arborist today to have your trees assessed for cabling and bracing needs at (262) 538-1900 or contact us below and a member of our staff will get in touch with you.

Contact Wachtel Tree Science

The crew was very professional and willing to answer any question I had. I would highly recommend Wachtel Tree Science to friends. Very pleased with the complete job.

Martin – Pewaukee, WI

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