Sometimes a tree that is otherwise healthy can be splitting apart, or have structural issues that create a risk. This tragic situation can be mitigated by installing cables to provide support, as well as bracing the tree with big steel rods to keep it together. Both solutions are tree-friendly and provide a much better outcome than cutting the tree down.
Cables can either be steel (old – style) or nylon (preferred). The nylon cables don’t rust, are UV and weather resistant, and can support 3000 pounds. Their flat profile doesn’t dig into the tree, and furthermore chafing guards are used to protect the trees.
Note that on installation, the cable isn’t meant to be taught, which will cause the tree to grow weaker and doesn’t leave room for the tree to grow. The goal of the cable is to take on extra loads like wind or ice that the tree otherwise wouldn’t be able to support on its own.
Often times cabling and bracing is done in conjunction with tree pruning to reduce weight and improve the overall structure of the tree.
