Tree Cabling and Bracing

Tree Cabling and Bracing by Professionals

The team at Arbor Carepa is fully trained and has many years of experience in the proper bracing and cabling of trees. For a FREE appointment with one of our arborists, reach out to us.

Why Brace / Cable a Tree

First, bracing, and cabling are two different methods that have the same goal, i.e. to strengthen a weakened tree. The main difference is that bracing uses steel rods whereas cabling uses steel cable. Choosing between bracing and cabling depends on the specific situation and the skill level of the professional you have hired.

The reason for the development of this practice is because older trees or weakened trees need our help to continue to survive and look their best. When trees grow, certain branches may grow larger and faster than others.

Without bracing or cabling these branches, they will break off in a heavy wind. If a large branch breaks off from the tree, it could cause extensive property damage. the damage would create an open wound in the tree for insects and diseases to enter causing severe damage to the tree's structure, leading to the end of the tree. Some species of trees are very prone to breaking, such as the box elder or silver maple. These trees will almost always require bracing or cabling as high winds will break these massive but frail trees.

Signs to Look for to See If Your Tree May Requires Bracing / Cabling

There are many factors which a trained arborist looks for when inspecting the safety of a tree. Here are a few things for you to look for to see if you need to contact an arborist.

Co-dominant leader: The connection forms a V shape and is structurally a very poor way for a tree to grow. A co-dominant leader is a tree with two trunks instead of one.

Proximity to your home: If there are big branches that are looming near your home, then it may be good to have them thinned or cabled as a preventative measure. We provide same-day emergency service.

Recently lost a lead branch: if a tree has lost one of its main branches in a storm then you may need to cable some of the remaining branches. Without the protection of the lead branch, other branches may be in jeopardy come the next storm. Our professionals will inspect your property and provide you with a service estimate within 72 hours.

Lightning Protection

Are you concerned about the safety of your trees when a storm hits? You are not alone. Millions of dollars in property damage happen each year from trees being hit by lightning. Broken branches can fall onto your home or car and possibly lead to fire damage. Arbor Carepa has seen homes ruined and people severely injured from an incident that could have been prevented.

How does Arbor Carepa protect my trees from lightning damage?

To prevent lightning from harming your trees and your property, Arbor Carepa can install lightning rods into your trees. With the rod fit to the tree, any lightning which strikes the tree will be dispersed through the rods and into the ground. Lightning moves through trees by traveling along the moisture in the wood. Lightning is like a river, it will always choose the path of least resistance. Lightning rods are far better conductors than the trees they protect so the lightning travels through the metal and into the ground.

Do I have to install lightning rods on all my trees?

Though it is best to protect as many of your trees from lightning damage as possible, this is just not reasonable for many of you who have numerous trees on your property. In such situations, the factors which we take into account are the type of tree, its height, and how close it is to your home.

Different species of trees have different moisture levels and thus some are more susceptible to lightning strikes than others. Oaks, for example, have a higher chance of being hit by lightning than other trees. Height is also an important factor as lightning tends to hit the highest object in an area (though not necessarily). Lastly, one of the main reasons to protect your trees is to protect yourself from property damage, so any trees which are close to your house should have lightning rods installed.

If you want to protect your trees then reach out to Arbor Carepa. Request service today. We will respond to your inquiries within 24 hours.