Majestic deciduous trees and conifers add beauty to our urban forests in the Denver region. Many of these are treasured centerpieces of our property, adding value we want to maintain in our landscapes. At times, though, structures weaken, making tree cabling and bracing necessary for survival.
At Arbortec, we install cabling and bracing hardware to prevent failure in limbs that are weakened by cracks. These additions allow the tree to continue to sway and move in a natural fashion while protecting you and your family from breakage or loss. Let’s discuss how these risks develop and what you can do to avoid them in your trees.
Call or fill out our online form to request your Free Estimate
Why Trees Need Cabling and Bracing
Urban forests often exist where subdivisions extend into what was once wildland habitat. Because we value those trees, we incorporate them into our landscape. New additions of natives and non-native varieties growing to a significant size complicate the overall safety of the landscape.
As the Colorado State University Extension highlights, trees sometimes outgrow their natural structures’ abilities to support their weight. But there are other reasons why trees need cabling and bracing.
Poor pruning jobs: One side of a tree might have been removed without a balanced lightening of the upper story load. When the weight is uneven, wind can cause tree failure, splitting, or toppling.
Branch or stem breakage: Storm damage, pest infestations and diseases create vulnerability and weakness. Limbs begin to split at notches, and while a full break has not yet occurred, failure is a guarantee without adequate support.
Root compaction or disturbance: Soil compaction and excavations create root damage that can cause instability in the overall tree. Swaying takes on an ominous aspect and increases toppling risks.
Natural growth characteristics: When two stems grow together, the danger of a split where they finally separate is high. This v-crotch twists in the wind, and one side of the joined stems can split apart from the other, destroying the tree.
While most trees will tolerate some damage, significant failings could mean loss of the plant if no action is taken. Rather than risk damage to surrounding landscape and structures, additional support is the solution.
Call or fill out our online form to request your Free Estimate
Cabling and Bracing Techniques
Trees can outgrow the ability of their natural structures to support them. Damage from all kinds of causes multiplies these hazards. In these cases, cabling and bracing can save the tree and reduce overall risk of failure.
We use high-strength steel cables attached to threaded rods inserted in stems or branches to stabilize the upper structure of the tree. It can still sway in the wind, but separation is no longer a high risk from extreme twists or swings. Bracing from below also helps in some cases.
Each tree’s circumstances are unique. Our International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists inspect the conditions and structure of your Denver area tree to assess how cabling and bracing will help stabilize it. We make our recommendations with safety for you and your family, your landscape, and surrounding structures in mind.
Call Arbortec Tree Service, the professional tree service in Denver, for a free estimate of how corrective cabling and bracing will support long-term tree health on your property. Our services include instructions on future care and maintenance requirements to aid in tree survival.