Most property owners are well aware of the value of healthy, mature trees in a location. Your trees provide a combination of protective/sheltering and curb appeal services by adding a natural and calming aura. Trees that are in poor health pose a risk to your property. Cabling and bracing are excellent ways to help your trees grow correctly and maintain proper health. Ratings and reviews show clients who are delighted that eos Outdoor Services braced our trees.
Even though your trees are designed to withstand whatever nature throws at them, it is possible that they need a little extra help to remain stately and well maintained. Many factors can cause the deterioration of trees’ health. Cabling provides additional support to the canopy by installing steel cables between heavy branches. Cables redistribute any weight that may affect the tree’s structural integrity. Bracing is usually used in the lower half of the tree. Steel rods are placed below and above any damaged areas to assist in repairing the tree by securing and fastening any cracks in the trunk and where branches diverge.
This post will list five signs that your trees are likely to display when needing cabling or bracing.
Storm Damage
If harsh weather has beaten down your trees, a combination of cabling and bracing may be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage. Cabling effectively prevents weak areas from being overexerted by windy weather. Where a branch is splitting, brace rods and cables are used to hold the damaged section in place to allow the tree to heal.
Severe Lean
Over the natural course of their lifetime, trees are likely to develop a natural lean to get the most sunlight from their environment. If you have a tree leaning precariously, it is advisable to consider cabling and bracing as a guarantee. Trees that develop a lean after soil erosion or harsh weather conditions should be tended to immediately because they are likely to have lost their sturdy anchorage in the soil. Cabling and bracing will be necessary to support the tree until it is no longer dangerous.
A V-Crotch Stem
A V-crotch stem occurs when two large branches or leaders originate from a single trunk. V-crotch stems are susceptible because the area lacks enough tissue to support the two stems. One of the stems will be at high risk of falling off, particularly in harsh weather. While younger trees with v-crotch stems can be easily pruned, mature ones will suffer significant harm from removing a large stem. Cabling is popularly used to support any weak branches to reduce tension and allow the tree to heal. If a branch has suffered severe damage, bracing may also be necessary to guarantee that the damage does not extend further.
Overextended Limbs
Sometimes, tree limbs grow longer and heavier than the trunk can support. Most overextended limbs that strain the trunk grow horizontally and have heavy ends with foliage. The older your trees, the more challenging it will be for the trunk to support overextended limbs because of weakening due to bad weather, disease, drought, or pests.
Cabling is used to restrict the movement of overextended branches so they do not strain the trunk. This also ensures that these branches are not at risk of falling off. Where the overextended branches are very large and heavy, bracing may be used in conjunction with cabling.
Weak Sections
The natural aging process in trees results in the weakening of sections that bear excessive weight or those most exposed to severe weather. If you notice splits or cracks in your tree’s trunk or at a junction between two stems or branches, act immediately to prevent the area from failing unexpectedly. The earlier you install braces or cables, the better your tree will heal properly. Brace rods repair splits and ensures that weakened sections do not split while cables provide any extra support necessary.
Cabling and bracing are essential parts of tree care that ensure your trees are healthy and not pose any safety hazards. Structurally weak trees endanger people and property by exposing them to sections that could snap off at any time. If your trees have structural defects or display any of the signs listed above, they will require cabling and bracing to stay sturdy. Ensure you contact a professional tree care company to evaluate the damage and recommend the most effective solution.
