Tree Support Systems
Tree Cabling and Tree Support Systems
Trees sometimes have structural issues that cannot be completely solved by pruning, and tree support systems are often an option for mitigating these issues.
They provide an option for preserving trees that are valuable to the homeowner, or trees that are historically or economically important.
Tree support systems include cabling between stems and limbs, guying (cabling to ground supports or to other trees), and bolting to reinforce weak crotch attachments.
The purpose of these systems is to provide supplemental support by reducing the amount of stress on certain structural weaknesses.
These weaknesses include weak crotch attachments or competing leaders, called codominant stems, and can be vulnerable to breaking during periods of heavy wind, ice, or snow. In the past, the parts and components used in tree cabling consisted entirely of rigid steel cables and steel hardware fastened directly through stems and limbs. These are still commonly used in the tree service industry, and are sometimes the most appropriate choice.Non-invasive options are now available.
These options do not require arborists to drill into the tree or disturb the cambium.
Non-invasive tree support utilizes flexible rope instead of rigid cable, and specially designed slings in place of bolts, to anchor to the stems and limbs.
Non-invasive tree cabling provides supplemental support while still allowing the natural movement of stems and branches, which in turns allows the tree to continue forming reaction wood to support itself.
