We install structural cables to help keep tree limbs from falling off.  Sometimes branches have weak forks, which if left, would eventually tear away from the tree. At the very least this kind of structural failure would leave the tree deformed and with a jagged wound to deal with; however the greatest risk from structural failure is to property and people. Identification of weakly attached limbs is the first step in protecting you and your property from catastrophic failure of tree limbs. Just because a tree has a structural flaw doesn’t always mean it has to be removed.  Cables and braces make it possible to reinforce weakly attached limbs.

What are cables?

Most cables are hardware systems consisting of wound galvanized steel cable that is bolted to the tree with screws or bolts at a location that will have the greatest amount of mechanical advantage, usually this is in the upper one third of the canopy.

Our newest tool for cabling is a rope system called Cobraä which is a high strength, UV protected polypropylene rope that is looped and spliced around the tree, and because no holes are drilled no wounding takes place. We have found this system very useful on trees that have soft wood and a tendency to decay around the typical hardware cable such as maple, poplar and sycamore, however it can be installed in any tree. The strength of Cobraä is the same as our steel cable; and three sizes are available for small, medium and large trees

What are braces?

Don’t ask the orthodontist to install these!

Sometimes cables aren’t enough to hold together a weak fork. In these situations we combine our cable systems with custom designed bolts installed directly through the weak fork. These bolts act like stitches to keep the split from spreading apart.

 As with our other services, cabling and bracing are tools to be used to meet the goals of health, structural, appearance and value, and our certified arborists will always take the time necessary to help you identify and plan for the needs of your trees.