GERSTENBERGER, PETER. 1989. Tree support systems. Grounds Maintenance 24(9):42, 44, 46, 82, 86-87.
Near houses, automobiles and people, some trees may be hazards and liabilities for the owners. If a tree starts to break up, the owner must decide whether to remove it or prune out large parts of its canopy. Both options may be undesirable. Fortunately, there are other alternatives. For trees that are in reasonably good shape, guy wires, cables and rigid bracing are options that support and strengthen the trees. We use these mechanical systems to repair damaged trees and to help prevent or reduce future property damage and tree disfigurement. Cable bracing uses flexible, galvanized steel cable to support a weak fork—a narrow V-fork that develops when two equal-size branches originate at nearly the same point. Long, horizontal branches may need support, especially if internal decay has weakened them. Cable bracing uses strong tree limbs to lessen the burden of weak ones. Rod or rigid bracing uses lengths of various diameter steel rods threaded with wood screw or machine thread. Rod bracing provides additional, rigid support where a defect has developed in a fork, cavity, limb or trunk. It also can hold rubbing limbs together or spread them apart. Guying provides added support to established trees when roots are shallow or have been damaged and to very large, recently transplanted trees. When guying, you install cables between trees or between a tree and the ground. Periodically inspect cabling, bracing, and guying systems after installation. Look for deterioration of cabling material and for changes in the trees that could make adjustments necessary.
- © 1990, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.