What Landowners Should Know About Tree Cabling and Bracing

Cabling helps to stabilize trees if they do not grow correctly. Cabling can, for example, correct the growth of a young tree with a curve in the trunk. Without correction, the curve could cause one side to outweigh the rest of the tree and increase the risk of it uprooting.

The use of cables also helps to keep stable a tree that has grown too quickly and has now outgrown its root ball. Trees like this can also lean or fall as the weight of the tree pulls the roots from the ground. Braces prevent splits in tree trunks with deep forks and preserves damaged branches, so they stay in place while the tree heals.

The protective measures protect people as well as the tree. Tree branches with most of the foliage weight on the tips could cause branches to break and put anyone underneath in danger. Cabling systems can prevent this type of incident until pruning or other growth reduce the risk.

It is not always possible to prune the tree to remove enough weight for safety. The amount of pruning needed could endanger the health of the tree. Excessively pruned trees become vulnerable to diseases and pests because the foliage loss does not allow the tree to stay properly nourished.

Over pruned trees may no longer have enough foliage to protect the bark from the sun. Sprouts that grow from the cut areas will often appear as the tree attempts to protect itself. The abundant sprouts can affect the appearance of the tree.

Braces and cables enable the branch to remain in place and stay safe as normal pruning takes place. Over time, the weight reduction from the pruning and the growth of the branch will secure it without any added stress to the tree. The removal of the braces or cables can take place at this point for some trees and may need to remain indefinitely for others.

Homeowners can attempt to brace or cable their trees on their own, but it is risky for the tree if they do not have experience in the process. The concerns include an incorrect setup that will not provide any additional security or added damage to the tree. The biggest risk is girdling.

The leaves of the tree gain nutrients from photosynthesis. The flow of nutrients through the tree to the roots cannot take place when the cables become too tight. Eventually, the roots will die of starvation.  

Homeowners that hire a tree service to cable their tree should have the same service return annually to inspect the tree. The service can review the condition and needs of the tree and loosen or remove cables before they become a hazard. An annual visit will also allow the team to prune the branches as needed for maximum health.

Tree maintenance saves trees, and it can also save property and lives. Homeowners that appreciate the beauty of a shaded yard should do all they can to keep their trees healthy. At Baumann Tree, we offer a variety of preventative care and emergency services to help with any tree-related concern. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.