Protect Your Trees with Expert Tree Cabling from Blue Oak Affordable Tree Solutions
Some trees develop weak structure as they grow older. One common example is codominant leaders (or stems). If your tree splits off into 2 or more similarly sized trunks, the branch unions may be at in increased risk of failure. This risk is increased drastically if the unions are tight, “V shaped”, and have “included bark”. Another cause for branch failure can be limbs that grow too long and heavy for their own structural stability. In these cases, weight reduction pruning alone may not be enough to reduce the risk of branch failure to an acceptable level. That’s when tree cabling comes in.
What is cabling?
Cabling is a specialized service where a trained arborist installs a support line, or a network of supporting lines, in suspected “weak spots” of the tree’s canopy. The support lines can either be ridgid steel cable or a soft, synthetic rope material rated for the task.
How do I know if my tree requires cabling?
You should consider cable installations for your tree if you notice…
- A tree with two or more competing trunks, especially trunks that are growing away from eachother (creating more leverage effect). These “codominant stems” often form “V”-shaped unions (rather than stronger “U”-shaped ones) and may contain included bark, which prevents a proper wood layering at the union and increases the chance of failure.
- Branches that seem excessively long, especially if they do not appear to have good taper from the trunk. Sometimes branches grow aggressively toward available light, and can outgrow their own structural stability. Furthermore, improper pruning, such as stripping all of the latteral branches off a main branch (called “lion’s tailing”) can also train the tree to develop over-extended branches.
- Holes (“cavities”) or cracks at the branch union or along the length of a branch.
While weight-reduction pruning can help (and is often reccommended), it’s not always enough to prevent breakage. Removing too much tree’s living canopy at once can also stress the tree, potentially causing decline or other health issues, which defeats the purpose of trying to preserve it.
Properly installed cables can help stabilize the tree, reducing the risk of branch or trunk failure without causing the stress of over-pruning to the tree you care about.
Why Hiring A Qualified Arborist for Your Tree Cabling Is Important
Not all cabling systems are equal. Neither are the tree services that can install them.
There are two main types of cabling systems: static and dynamic. Our certified arborist can assess your tree and recommend the best option, explaining the benefits and limitations of each.
Improper installation can cause damage, so it’s important to hire a professional to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the system. If the goal is to preserve your tree and mitigate risk, you don’t want to do more harm than good with an improper cable installation.
If a large branch or section of your tree’s canopy splits and breaks, it poses risk to more than just property and people’s safety. Your tree itself is likely to suffer serious stress and possible decline if it looses too much living canopy suddenly. Protect against this risk with proper pruning and cabling.
Our Tree Cabling Process
At Blue Oak Affordable Tree Solutions, we follow industry best practices for every tree cabling project in Western North Carolina. Our process includes:
- Assessment: We inspect the tree’s structure and identify weak points.
- Recommendation: We explain your options and suggest a cabling system.
- Installation: We install high-quality hardware with minimal impact to the tree.
- Follow-Up: We provide guidance on monitoring and future inspections.
We always aim to preserve your tree’s health while keeping your property safe.
Tree Cabling and Tree Health
Tree cabling is not a cure-all. It works best when paired with proper pruning and ongoing care.
Follow up inspections are advised after cabling. Yearly (recommended) or even inspections at multi-year intervals will help to ensure adequate levels of risk mitigation. These follow up inspections can be performed during pruning intervals, or can be scheduled as stand alone inspections by a qualified arborist.
With proper care, cabling can extend the life of your tree for many years.
Keep Your Trees Safe and Standing Strong
At Blue Oak Affordable Tree Solutions, we provide professional tree cabling services across Western North Carolina. Our goal is to preserve your trees, your property, and your peace of mind.
If you think your tree may have over extended branches, codominant stems, or V-shaped unions, don’t wait for a possible failure. Blue Oak Affordable Tree Solutions offers expert tree cabling services to homeowners and property managers throughout Western North Carolina. Our team is committed to helping you protect your landscape, preserve mature trees, and reduce risk.
Give your trees the support they need—literally.
Call (828) 655-7690 today to schedule a consultation with our tree cabling experts. Let us help you safeguard your trees and your property with affordable, professional care.
