Structural Inspection & Corrective Measures (Cabling & Bracing)

Once a tree shows outward signs of distress such as the early loss of leaves or decay, the underlying issue has usually already progressed to the later stages. As experts in local conditions and tree problems, our arborists are available to meet with property owners to provide tree and shrub inspections to proactively identify and monitor any potential issues before they progress too far.

During an inspection, our arborist will check the overall health of the trees, look for signs of pest and disease infestations, identify any structural problems, and determine soil requirements. Based on the information found, the arborist will then make recommendations for any treatments required. A routine check-up by our arborists is essential to maintaining healthy trees.

As trees mature, they become more susceptible to wood decay and other structural defects. Older trees will often fall apart as they begin a gradual decline and eventually die. Trees exposed to severe weather can be damaged in a manner that is not so obvious to a homeowner. We are trained to identify these symptoms of structural weakness such as poor branch attachment, cracks or splits in the canopy or trunk, dead or hanging branches, and root related problems. We can then assess the risk that these pose to the people or things around them and work on a plan to remedy the issue.

Some common treatments could include pruning to reduce branch weight and wind resistance or the installation of structural support cables or braces. When the risk of failure is high and the problem cannot benefit from any of these treatments, tree removal or restricted access to the area around the tree may be necessary to prevent injuries or property damage. Our tree evaluations can help you make sound decisions and keep your property and family safe.

 All trees have two major components to consider when evaluating them: health & structure.

- Health refers to a tree’s growth rate, photosynthetic capabilities, and other factors that keep a tree alive (not related to structure).

- Structure refers to a tree’s ability to hold together or remain upright.

Many trees are in good health, but have a poor structure. These are the types of trees that may benefit from cabling, bracing, or from the use of guy wires. In some of these instances removal may be the best option.

Cabling.  Cabling is a process that involves supporting parts of the tree that have a higher potential to fail than normal, with other parts of the tree that are strong. A cable attaches two or more branches to each other to improve the overall strength of the area of concern. Often trees with co-dominate leaders need cables to help support them.

Bracing.  In a situation where a crack appears, a brace may be needed along with the cables. A brace is used to strengthen a cracked area and to limit the cracks ability to spread further. In both situations, pruning to reduce weight in the areas of concern is usually recommended.

Guy Wires.  Guy wires are used to support a tree that is leaning or has fallen over. Guy wires can be attached to the ground using earth anchors or they can be attached to another solid object (like a tree) deemed suitable to support the fallen or leaning tree. A common use of this is an evergreen that blows over in a storm. In many cases we can stand the trees back up and support them with guy wires.

Here at Trapper’s we utilize the Duckbill Earth Anchor system for a maximum in tree stabilization. The largest of the Duckbill Earth Anchors were designed to withstand  an 1,100lb. force attempting to pull them from the ground. If you have a tree that has struggled to take root or needs to be righted and anchored over the next several years to assure property safety, give us a call today!

Duckbill Earth Anchor

An upward pull on anchors rotates duckbill into a load-lock position approximately 15° from horizontal. Further tension causes anchor to plane sideways through undisturbed soil, increasing holding power. No rods, stakes, pipes, or stems above ground. Made of tinzalloy aluminum alloy, will not corrode or rust. Cable is 1/16˝ high strength galvanized steel. Driving rod required to drive anchor vertically into undisturbed soil to required depth. Order driving rod separately.

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