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 Cabling
and bracing trees is the process of adding hardware to a tree's
structure to make it safer or prolong it's life. As some trees
grow, they develop weak or 'V' crotches where two limbs or
stems connect together which is an unsafe union and a candidate
for artificial support. If a large branch is over a structure,
such as a building, house, a well traveled pedestrian path
or a road, these are good examples to consider cabling and
bracing. The hardware that is involved with the process comprises
of screw lag hooks, metal threaded rods called through bolts
and high strength cable. In combination they can improve the
overall safety and aesthetic value of a tree.
Hardware Used in Cabling & Bracing
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Thimble
used for splicing of wire rope.
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Lag
hooks for fastening the cable to the tree
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Threaded
rods (through bolts)
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Proper
installation of a lag hook and a through bolt.
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 Wire
Rope Splicing
Wire
rope splicing to a thimble to maximize strength and minimize
wear to the cable. The steps from A to D show the process
to create a finished end, ready to be fastened to either a
lag hook or through bolt.
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Cable
attachment from one stem to another with lag hooks and
through bolts.
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Bracing
Weak Crotches
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Cable
attachment from one stem to another with lag hooks and
through bolts.
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Metal
threaded rods called braces, are placed strategically at the
weak or 'V' crotch to help (back-up) the cabling process in
the upper canopy of the two weak stems. Certain guidelines must
be followed for placement of the rods. If placed through the
tree incorrectly, the results may be detrimental, rather than
beneficial.
Leave it up to the professional Arborist
to do the job right.
Not
all trees that are in a state of decline are candidates for
cabling and bracing. Many factors are involved in the decision
to add hardware to a tree or to remove it completely. The
process is like a crutch, it will extend the life of the tree
and should not be relied upon to solve any major problems
such as decay or old age. It does not guarantee to eliminate
any serious structural problems, only to improve the structure
of a tree. A professional Certified Arborist should be able
to confirm if your tree requires the process from examining
it from the ground, but climbing it may be necessary to make
a close up inspection. This procedure is recommended for heritage
or rare species trees, but can be done on any tree.
Advantages of Cabling & Bracing
Reduces
the risk of potential tree failure. Heavy limbs that are overhanging
targets, are secured. Weak V shaped limbs and stems, are made
safer. Provides support to weak or injured trees. Extends
the life and aesthetic value of the tree.
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