Storms in North Texas can be fierce. Broken limbs and upturned trees pose danger to life and property. Having trees that are structurally sound are important to your peace of mind and the avoidance of any sort of liability.
If a tree has been damaged or weakened by a storm, there are solutions. Tree bracing and cabling employs specialized hardware to add extra support to a tree’s trunk and limbs. This practice aims to reinforce weak spots, protecting from further breakage.
Please note that broken limbs and leaning trees are very dangerous. We strongly recommend that you consult with an ISA Certified tree care professional before taking any action. A professional can offer help in assessing the tree’s condition and whether cabling and bracing is the best solution.
Signs a Tree Might Benefit from Cabling and Bracing
- The tree has visible storm damage
- The trunk is V-shaped
- Overextended limbs
- Cracks in the limbs or trunk
- Tree is leaning
The Tree has Storm Damage
Damage from a storm can reveal pre-existing structural weaknesses in the tree. For example, large broken limbs might indicate improper pruning techniques, such as Lion’s Tailing.
Trees are created to manage winds, but if they are not well maintained or have an underlying disease, they are more vulnerable to storm winds and other forms of stress.
The Tree Trunk is V-Shaped
V-shaped trunks are a structural weakness. Trees grow this way in the urban environment due to the lack of competition for sunlight. The V is formed by two co-dominant stems. The two-stems can present a weakness where they divide. They, in fact, push on each other as they grow. To guard against breakage, a bolt can be inserted through the two stems, securing them together.
Overextended Limbs
Limbs that have not been regularly pruned for structural integrity can become unnaturally weighted on the tips. This will present extra strain under strong winds and may lead to breakage. The larger the overextended branch the greater the chances it will break.
Cracks in the Trunk
A crack or a split in the trunk or a major limb could be a sign of weakness and/or underlying disease. Cabling or bracing might help the tree heal and support its weak areas, so that it can grow for many more years.
The Tree is Leaning
A tree that is leaning could be signs of serious problems. It is always important to have the tree evaluated by a tree care professional to ensure that there is not a serious risk of failure.
While some leaning trees can be repaired with bracing and cabling, many are not. Leaning trees often have damaged root systems that are beyond repair. Timely attention to already leaning trees is vital to their repair. The longer you wait the chances that an arborist can save the tree will be diminished.
Choosing Tree Cabling and Bracing Services in Flower Mound, Highland Village and Denton
Services like cabling and bracing can be complex. That’s why it is important to choose a tree care company that upholds the highest industry standards in all their tree care services.
Tree Shepherds is committed to caring for your trees, preserving their health and beauty for many years to come. We firmly believe that your trees should last a lifetime.
