In the prime of their lives, most trees get along with pretty minimal care and support beyond annual tree pruning and occasional watering and fertilizing (if necessary). In fact, with most trees, homeowners primarily think of them when it’s time to rake the leaves in the fall or deck them with Christmas lights in the winter. But young trees and older trees often need additional support. For younger trees, they are often staked out to protect them during their most vulnerable early days. For older trees that have grown too large or heavy to safely support their own size, tree bracing and cabling can help to protect the tree and extend its life, while also protecting the people and property in their vicinity.
Tree Cabling
Tree cabling is the use of flexible straps or cables to help support the weight of heavy branches (or double trunks) in order to preserve a tree and make it safe for people and property around it. These cables can be secured to the ground, to other parts of the tree, or to structures to give the tree extra stability and help it to support the weight of its large, heavy branches or precariously arranged trunk(s).
Tree Bracing
Tree bracing is very similar to cabling, except that the supports that are used are rigid, rather than flexible. They will still be used to support heavy branches, split trunks, or trees that have become vulnerable due to erosion or storm damage. In many cases, the bracing and cabling are not meant to be permanent, but are only used to support a tree while waiting for other supportive action to be taken, such as shoring up the soil it’s rooted in or removing heavy branches so that balance can be restored to the tree.
What Kinds of Damage Can Be Prevented with Tree Cabling or Bracing?
In the most dire situations, tree bracing and cabling can prevent the total loss of a tree: a double trunk split down the middle or a complete collapse of a large, mature tree. In slightly less extreme situations, a tree that has been braced or cabled might be prevented from losing a massive limb. In all cases, these significant events can threaten lives and damage property. Because trees that are cabled and braced are mostly large, heavy, considerably mature trees, these preventive measures can help prevent a sizable tree from crashing down on your home, yard, or neighborhood street, with all the potential danger that comes with it. Bracing and cabling large trees can save lives and prevent catastrophic damage to your home.
What Else Can Protect Older Trees?
Just like with younger trees, the best action you can take to support your trees and improve their longevity is to have them regularly trimmed. Whether the branches on a tree are as thick as a pencil or wide enough to hang a swing on, having routine tree pruning done every year is the best step you can take to making sure your tree stays balanced, healthy, and safe. Trim your trees to keep them healthy and your family safe.
Taking proactive steps to protect your trees, no matter how large, is just a wise move. Here in Cincinnati, we’re here at Tree Images to help your trees, big or small. If you’ve got an older tree with large, heavy branches (you know, the kind you check on periodically when the wind picks up because it makes you just a LITTLE nervous) give us a call to find out how we can give your tree a little extra support and give you a little extra peace of mind. We can evaluate the needs of your trees, and help you come up with a solid plan to support your trees without stress or headache.
