Tree services such as cabling and bracing can provide support and help prevent failure of at-risk trees.

Sometimes, trees develop a poor structure and can no longer support their own weight. Installing flexible, high-strength, steel-strand cables and braces can improve the structural integrity and longevity of at-risk trees. Essentially, this practice involves transferring weight from weak branches to stronger limbs that can better withstand severe weather conditions.

At-risk trees can often be saved with proper cabling and bracing tree services from a certified arborist.

Mature Trees

If a mature tree limb has grown into a pronounced “U” shape, the weight of the canopy — along with the additional stresses of high winds, snow accumulation and wet foliage — can cause the branch to split or break. Cables and braces can redistribute the load to help the tree grow stronger.

Multi-Trunked Trees

A tree with multiple trunks is often doomed to fail, as the limbs grow away from the center and overextend the weight load. And if a trunk fails, the slow-healing nature of the wound leaves it susceptible to insects and disease. A certified arborist often uses bracing and cabling tree services to support the trunks and reduce the likelihood of failure.

Split Trees

Caught early enough, bracing and cabling can save a tree that has developed a vertical crack from suffering structural stress or storm-related damage. With proper placement, cables and braces — along with expert pruning tree services — can add years of life to a split tree.

Leaning Trees

A tree with a slight, natural lean is usually no cause for concern. However, if the lean becomes more pronounced — or if it develops suddenly after a heavy storm — cables and braces may be necessary to prevent failure.

Uprooted Trees

When severe storms uproot trees, they often need to be removed. However, in some cases, a certified arborist can reposition the trunk and use bracing and cabling to hold it in place to give the root system a chance to become reestablished.

Can Cabling and Bracing Tree Services Save All At-Risk Trees?

Unfortunately, not all at-risk trees can be saved with cables and braces. Trees with cracks that affect a large portion of the main trunk may need to be removed, as do those that have a lean greater than 15 degrees.

To find out if your trees could benefit from structural support, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with an experienced local tree services company. For free expert advice from a certified arborist in the greater Salt Lake City area, contact Reliable Tree Care.

With more than two decades of experience, the certified arborist team at Reliable Tree Care understands how to care for trees in northern Utah. To schedule a complimentary, comprehensive yard evaluation, or to discuss our cabling and bracing tree services, contact our Murray office today.