Victoria Tree Masters
Cabling & Bracing
Cabling and bracing are ways to hold your tree together so it doesn't drop branches or split apart.
Tree Cabling
When structural issues are identified, we may recommend installing a high-strength tensile steel cable in the upper crown of the tree. Cabling prevents branches from moving around as much - as a result, they're less likely to break during a storm. The cables are attached to the tree using bolts installed through the branches.
Tree Bracing
Bracing involves installing a long threaded rod through several branches or stems where they're weak and likely to split. The rod gives more support than a cable and limits the degree of twisting that can happen during violent weather.
Our arborists use approved materials and techniques that conform to all professional industry standards.
Get Instant Quote
Contact Us
Support For Healthier Stronger Trees
Over time, trees can develop structural defects or growth patterns that have a much higher probability of failing. The most common occurrence is a tree with multiple stems, which creates a cavity of included bark where the stems touch and appear to grow together. This is where they almost always split during a storm. Cables and bracing are supplemental structures that help reduce the risk of failure by limiting movement of suspect stems or branches during high winds in a storm or from snow loads. Cables are installed 2/3 of the way up into a trees canopy from the union so as to ensure the cable can apply a proper amount of leverage when holding stems in place. Bracing is when a threaded rod is installed through unions of weak branches or stems and in some cases we do both cabling and bracing on the same tree. In order to meet the acceptable risk threshold of our clients without removing a key tree we some times incorporate structural pruning and/or crown reduction pruning techniques that will help minimize the load on the suspect unions or stems along with cabling and bracing. At Victoria Tree Masters, we use a newer style cabling system where we drill a 3/8 inch hole straight through the tree where the steel cable passes, then we attach an aluminum collar that is tapered on the inside and locks the cable in place. This new does not rely on lag bolts that can rip out and thimble cable ends which can rust and break.
Our certified arborists will conduct a evaluation of your tree structure and make recommendations for installing cables and braces.
All bracing and cabling should have an annual inspection and will need to be replaced approximately every 10 years.
Signs That Your Tree Needs Support
Over time, many trees (especially those that haven't been properly pruned) develop structural weaknesses, such as:
- large, heavy, or multiple stems
- an imbalanced or lopsided tree canopy
- branches that move around too much, making them particularly vulnerable to breakage from strong winds
- tight crotches or upright branches that aren't well attached to the main tree trunk, making them more prone to splitting in half
These are all situations where structural support, such as cabling or bracing, can help protect your tree and save your property from damage.
Its important to remember cabling and bracing should only be installed by a certified arborist after a thorough inspection and evaluation of the tree. If you notice any signs of structural problems in your trees, give us a call. We'll inspect your trees to see if cabling or bracing can help. Often, a combination of proper pruning and cabling/bracing can help extend the life and improve the safety of important landscape trees.
When your tree has structural issues that can’t be resolved by pruning, but you don’t want to remove the tree, adding cables or bracing it with rods may be the answer. Not everyone is familiar with this arboricultural practice, however, so we’ve included some frequently asked questions, along with our answers, below.