Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tree service professionals discuss why tree cabling is sometimes necessary for safety and for tree health care.
Giving Trees the Extra Support They Need Through Cabling
Though they are meant to be unobtrusive, you may have seen a tree that has steel cables through it, or metal rods near the base of the trunk. These are devices put in place by a tree service company to help the tree continue a healthy and safe coexistence within the human occupied space they inhabit.
This is not something that is done to help a tree that is already in decline, infested with some kind of pest, or infected with tree disease. This is done for a healthy tree that may just need a little extra support.
Reasons a Tree May Need a Support System
Trees and plants adapt their growth patterns in an effort to get the most possible sunlight. This sometimes leads to a few straggling lower limbs growing at odd angles in an attempt to reach the sun. This can cause issues if the tree is growing near a home or some other human built structure.
Often this is where a tree service company would step in to do some tree trimming, but this is not always the best choice for the tree. It may be better to install a support system due to several factors.
hese are listed and described below.
- Age of the Tree: Sometimes trimming an older tree can make it more susceptible to disease to infestation. Young trees, too, can be trained to grow in certain directions using support cables.
- Health of the Tree: As stated before, the tree must be healthy for cabling to be an option.
- Climate: Cabling can be used as a preventative measure against storm damage. This protects both the tree and the property.
- Assist Healing: If a healthy tree has been damaged due to a storm or some other disaster, cabling and bracing can help keep the tree together so it can heal properly.
Indicators of a Need for Either Dynamic or Static Support
There are actually two different types of tree support that are performed by arborists: static and dynamic. Static support is the more traditional method and uses drilling and steel cables to create strength for a tree’s weaker joints. Bracing is also a static method that uses rods to bolster the tree or its branches.
A dynamic support system is aptly named as it uses ropes that support the branches while allowing the tree more freedom of movement. This is also a less invasive, less permanent solution.Whereas static supports can last 20 to 40 years, dynamic systems are likely to hold up for half that time or less.
Either dynamic or static systems can be implemented in the following cases of tree problems:
- Tree cracking
- Co-dominant branches or V-crotches
- Leaning
Supporting Your Trees By Hiring the Professionals
If you believe that your tree may need some additional support to stay healthy, cabling may be the answer. It is not, however, a DIY project. It takes knowledge of both trees and the methods of support and should only be attempted by a professional certified arborist. Installed systems should be checked on annually in order to ensure they are functioning properly.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Greater Pitt Tree Service has been the go-to tree professionals for Pittsburgh, PA for more than 28 years. Our award-winning service is for both commercial and residential properties. Call today for a free quote.