From time to time, trees develop poor structure or suffer damage that leaves them at risk of dropping large limbs or splitting apart completely. And unfortunately, many tree-care companies are quick to characterize these trees as hazardous before recommending their removal. But that’s not always the only solution; there are a few techniques — known as cabling and bracing — that certified arborists can use to reduce the risks that damaged limbs or structural problems present. This allows you to retain your tree and enjoy the beauty and benefits it provides for many more years.
Not all tree-care companies have the skills and expertise to perform cabling or bracing work. These are both advanced techniques that require specific skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out. But that’s not a problem when you partner with the Adney Tree Service team. We’re led by an ISA-certified arborist, which allows us to save some trees that other tree-care companies would recommend removing. Best of all, cabling and bracing often serve as a cost-effective alternative to removal, meaning that you can continue enjoying your trees and avoid the costs associated with removal.
Cabling and bracing are two different tree-preservation techniques that can help reduce the potential danger some trees present and provide the support they need to remain structurally sound for years. While often employed in conjunction with each other, they solve different problems and require different tools, materials, and expertise.
Cabling involves the use of steel wires or high-strength rope to provide additional support. The cables or ropes can be attached to tree trunks, stems, or limbs using hardware (in the case of steel wires) or by using harnesses that wrap around the tree part in question (in the case of ropes). Both approaches have different benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll want to rely on your Adney Tree Service professional to determine which strategy is best for your specific tree.
Regardless of the material used, cables are often used for supporting co-dominant stems (“twin” tree trunks) or large branches at risk of failure. Cables must be assessed and adjusted periodically, but they offer a great way of reducing the risks presented by potentially hazardous trees.
Tree bracing accomplishes the same basic goal that cabling does: It provides additional support to a tree to help reduce the risk of branch, trunk, or stem failure. However, instead of using flexible materials like steel cable or high-strength rope, it relies on long, threaded bolts. In fact, braces can sometimes be used to support trunks or branch junctions that are already splitting.
When installing a brace, your arborist will begin by drilling a hole through the problematic portion of the tree with a specialized drill and an extremely long bit. The metal rod will then be inserted through the hole and secured with hardware at each end. As with cables, braces should be inspected periodically and adjusted as necessary.
Now that we’ve explained the basics of tree bracing and tree cabling, we can share some of the specific services we use to help protect our clients’ trees.
Just note that some trees will require several of these services, while others may only require one. For example, a combination of cables and braces is often used to provide the highest level of support. You’ll simply need to discuss the issue with your Adney Tree Service representative to determine the best course of action for your specific trees.
All cabling and bracing projects begin with a detailed structural assessment of the tree by an ISA-certified arborist. During this evaluation, we will inspect the tree, looking for things like weak branch unions, cracks, and other potential hazards. This will allow us to determine whether cabling, bracing, or some other corrective measure will provide the safest and most effective support.
For trees that require firm, long-term reinforcement, we install static cabling systems using high-strength steel cables. While the cables themselves are somewhat flexible, they become quite rigid when attached to a tree and placed under tension. This helps to reduce the movement of the target tree part (hence why these systems are called “static”), making this approach suitable for use in older, larger, and heavier trees.
In other cases, a more flexible support option is desirable. In these situations, we will use dynamic cabling systems made from shock-absorbing synthetic materials (rope). These systems provide the additional reinforcement weak branch structures require, while still allowing the tree to move naturally. This makes dynamic cabling systems better suited for younger trees, which will continue to put on significant growth.
In some cases, bracing is a better approach than either static or dynamic cabling. For example, braces are generally more effective for fortifying tree trunks or stems that have already begun to split, though they can also be helpful before damage has occurred. In either case, our professionals will install the bracing bolt and attach the appropriate hardware to keep it secure. This will help prevent a crack from occurring or stop existing cracks from expanding.
While a single cable may be helpful for supporting a problematic branch or keeping codominant branches from splitting, trees with complicated architecture may require the use of multiple cables. That’s not a problem for the Adney Tree Service team, as we’ll happily design a custom cabling system to reinforce these types of high-risk structural problems and keep them safe during windy conditions.
It’s always better to prevent tree damage than it is to fix it afterward. Our team will be happy to inspect your trees before severe weather arrives to identify weak limbs and potential failure points. We can then design a cabling or bracing system and install it before storms can cause damage. This will greatly reduce the risk of breakage and help protect your property from avoidable outcomes.
Because trees continue to grow and shift over time, it’s always important to have cabling and bracing systems inspected periodically to ensure they remain stable and secure. It’s also important to make adjustments to accommodate the tree’s growth. We will gladly establish a routine inspection cycle following cabling or bracing work and provide the long-term monitoring your trees require.
To enhance the effectiveness of cabling and bracing systems, we often recommend strategic reduction pruning at the time the cables or braces are installed. By selectively removing weight from vulnerable limbs, we reduce the amount of stress acting on the tree and transferred to the support hardware. This will promote healthier tree structure and help to ensure the desired outcome.
When existing support systems become outdated or are deemed no longer necessary, we can safely remove the hardware. We can also update the system with stronger or newer materials if continued support is required. This allows you to enjoy the best possible support and protection available, as newer and better cabling and bracing systems are developed and become widely available.
It’s unfortunate that cabling and bracing aren’t more widely offered, as they provide a number of benefits to California trees. Among other things, cabling and bracing:
Every tree has unique needs, which means that every cabling or bracing job we complete is unique. Nevertheless, we’ve established a consistent procedure over the last 10 years, which allows us to provide the kind of service our clients deserve. It typically involves the following steps:
It can be difficult for homeowners and commercial property managers to decide who they can trust for cabling and bracing work in the Central Coast area. To make your choice easier, we’d recommend considering the following factors, which help distinguish Adney Tree Service from our competitors.
We are an arborist-led team with the expertise needed to provide effective cabling and bracing solutions.
We always provide artisan-caliber results and leave your property looking beautiful when we are finished.
We have deep knowledge about California’s native trees as well as the exotic species common to the state.
We have a proven track record of success, including a 5-star Google rating and an unbeatable local reputation.
We offer a comprehensive line of tree-care services, which enables us to satisfy all of your tree-care needs.
We’re licensed by the State of California and fully insured, allowing you to choose us with confidence.
Still have questions about the cabling and bracing options Adney Tree Service provides? Curious to learn more about these techniques in general? We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions residents and property managers have and answered them below.
Feel free to leave your contact information on our online form. A consultation is always free, and it’s the first step towards finding a tree care solution!
