When you have a beloved tree in your yard that suddenly develops a lean or shows signs of splitting, you have some options for trying to save it. Professionals offering tree services in Jefferson, GA, may recommend tree cabling and bracing to provide structural support and stress reduction. Learn more about when using cabling techniques can be beneficial and why they work.
How Adding Cables and Braces Works
When your tree has co-dominant stems, it is susceptible to splitting. Co-dominant stems occur when a tree has V- or U-shaped growth of two primary limbs, creating a crotch in the main trunk. This crotch supports most of the tree’s weight, placing significant stress on it.
Using flexible cables and rigid braces gives this weak section of the tree extra support. The professionals will insert brace rods in the tree, giving it the ability to handle the weight of the canopy better.
Professionals may also use bolts and cables in the upper sections of the canopy. They’re flexible to allow growth but still restrict sudden movement of the larger limbs in the canopy. The cables prevent the upper limbs from twisting in severe wind and widening a crack in the crotch.
Why Cabling and Bracing Can Be Successful
Tree cabling and bracing are effective techniques for saving a tree with co-dominant stems or exhibiting signs of cracks in major limbs.
A full canopy of leaves places extra weight and stress on any cracks in the limbs or trunk. If the leaves are wet and heavy from rain, the stress on the tree increases, making cabling and bracing a helpful option.
When professionals add rigid bracing rods and flexible cables, they must place the supports in the proper location of the tree. Improper placement could create additional stress on the cracks or crotch, creating a more dangerous situation. Homeowners should not try to brace and cable their own trees for this reason.
Potential Improved Lifespan From These Techniques
When professionals add cabling and bracing to a weakened tree, they may extend the tree’s lifespan up to 20 years. Professional arborists may need to revisit your property every few years to test the integrity of the bracing and cabling hardware. If they need to make hardware repairs to keep the tree healthy, they can do them after the inspection.
Call Georgia Tree Removal Today for Help With Trying to Save a Favorite Tree
Professional tree removal isn’t the only potential option if a tree in your yard is beginning to lean or has other damage. At Georgia Tree Removal, we may suggest using tree cabling and bracing to support the tree, extending its healthy life for many more years. We will study the tree and determine whether adjusting the load distribution can save it.
Cabling doesn’t work in every case, so we would only recommend it if we believe it is the best option. To receive a free cost estimate for any of our tree care work, contact us today at (404) 396-4939.