Cabling, Bracing & Structural Support
Save valuable trees by providing structural support that prevents failure and extends their life.
Saving Trees That Need Extra Help
Not every tree with structural issues needs to come down. Sometimes the best option is providing support that helps your tree stay healthy and safe for years to come. Cabling and bracing systems strengthen weak points in trees, reducing the risk of branch or trunk failure.
Your mature trees add significant value to your property. They provide shade, beauty, privacy, and habitat for wildlife. When one of these valuable trees develops structural problems, removal shouldn't be your first thought. Professional support systems often save trees that would otherwise need to be removed.
We install support systems following industry best practices. Our goal is to help your tree carry its weight safely through storms and high winds while allowing it to continue growing naturally. The right support system, properly installed and maintained, can add decades to a tree's life.
When Trees Need Structural Support
Several situations call for cabling, bracing, or other support systems:
- Multiple trunks with weak V-shaped attachments that could split
- Heavy horizontal branches that sag or show stress cracks
- Previous storm damage that weakened the tree structure
- Lean that makes the tree unstable but not immediately dangerous
- Codominant stems competing for dominance
- Historic or specimen trees worth the investment to preserve
- Trees over important structures or high-traffic areas
We assess each tree individually to determine if support will actually help or if removal is the safer choice. Sometimes removal is necessary for safety, but many trees respond well to proper support and continue thriving for years.
Types of Tree Support Systems
Different problems require different solutions. Cabling uses flexible steel cables installed high in the tree canopy to limit the movement of branches or multiple trunks. The cables don't prevent all movement, they just restrict how far branches can separate during wind events.
Bracing involves installing threaded steel rods through weak unions or splits. Braces work below the point where cables would be installed and provide rigid support for cracks or splits that need stabilization. Sometimes we use both cables and braces together for maximum support.
Propping uses vertical supports, typically wooden or metal posts, to hold up heavy horizontal branches that can't support their own weight. While less common than cabling or bracing, propping works well for specific situations where other methods won't help. We can also complement support systems with strategic pruning to reduce weight and stress.
Maintenance and Inspection
Support systems aren't install-and-forget solutions. They need periodic inspection and occasional adjustment as your tree grows and changes. We recommend annual inspections to check cable tension, hardware condition, and the tree's overall health and growth patterns.
During these inspections, we look for any signs that the system needs adjustment or that the tree's condition has changed. Cables may need tightening, hardware might need replacement, or additional support points could become necessary as the tree grows. Regular maintenance keeps your support system working properly and your trees safe and healthy throughout their extended life.