What is Cabling and Bracing?

As trees grow and endure various environmental factors, some come to a point—regardless of age—where they require physical support to minimize their risk of structural failure. One technique that a licensed arborist can employ is cabling and bracing. Cabling and bracing use strategically placed cables and brace rods to improve a tree’s stability and limit the independent movement of poorly attached stems that are vulnerable to breaking. 

Cabling

Cabling involves the installation of a cable by a licensed arborist between tree limbs that need structural support. The cable restricts a limb’s movement, preventing it from bending to the point of breakage while still allowing for continued growth. This technique is often necessary for weak branch unions, where two limbs join at a narrow angle, especially if there is "included bark" present—bark that grows between the limbs, further increasing the risk of tearing.

Another poor growing condition that can benefit from cabling is co-dominant stems, meaning two or more stems of a similar diameter emerging from the same point on the trunk. And, downward or horizontally growing branches, especially when most of the foliage is concentrated toward the end of the branch, may need cable support, along with limbs that are unusually long for the tree species.

There are two types of cabling systems available: static and dynamic. Static systems are the standard cabling method, where a steel cable is attached between two branches via a bolt drilled into the tree, which limits movement.

A dynamic system is a newer, less invasive method of cabling. It uses a shock-absorbing synthetic rope tied to the tree, with no drilling or hardware needed, allowing branches to retain more natural movement. This method is commonly used with ornamental trees, being more aesthetically pleasing and gentle on delicate branches. And, for trees in poor health, dynamic cabling allows an arborist to provide more support without causing further harm from the drilling that is needed with static systems.

Bracing

Tree bracing is when a licensed arborist installs a threaded rod, secured with nuts and bolts, into a tree’s trunk or branches to reinforce weak or damaged areas, reducing the risk of irreparable breakage. It's commonly used if a trunk has a vertical crack defect or a tree has multiple leaders—more than one main stem growing vertically from the trunk near its base, typically at similar sizes.

Multi-leader trees face an increased risk of leader failure due to many factors, including weak attachments to the tree and instability caused by the roots having to support a higher number of branches. Bracing helps distribute a multi-leader tree’s weight more evenly, while making it less vulnerable to high winds.

How long does cabling and bracing last?

When a licensed arborist installs a cabling and bracing system, it can last 20-40 years. Dynamic cable systems may require more frequent maintenance than static systems due to the nature of the synthetic materials used. However, we recommend that homeowners schedule a licensed arborist to inspect these support systems during an annual tree risk assessment to ensure they’re continuing to perform effectively.

Contact K&J Tree Service Today

If you have a tree needing structural support, contact K&J Tree Service to schedule a free tree risk assessment with one of our Connecticut-licensed arborists. All our work complies with the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) A300 Tree Care standards, which are considered the highest standards for industry practices. Let our team help you navigate these situations, answer your questions, and provide a recommended action plan.