As a tree matures certain growth patterns can leave your tree more prone to structural issues including limb failures or split trunks. 

We saw ample proof from the storm of May 2024 of how proper cabling and bracing can save your tree and your home from devastating damage when installed correctly.

Before and After: Cedar Elm in Plano

Cedar Elm’s are a very good candidate for cabling and bolts because of their poor joint structure and tendency for co-dominant stems. Because of this Cedar Elms are more prone to storm damage.

The bottom dotted line shows where the bolt will be placed above the split, and the top dotted line shows where the cable will be installed. The cable provides more support to the split section so the tree doesn’t move too much from each section.

Depending on the size of a tree there can be multiple cables to support the weight. Each tree is different, and not all trees are candidates for tree support systems due to their structure.

Unfortunately we do not have any images of the cables installed after they were placed, and before the storm hit this home. But you can see how incredibly lucky this homeowner is. Instead of the tree completely crashing into her roof what is sustained is only a ding to the gutters. Our skilled foremen Raul and his team were able to safely remove the tree without any further damage.

Tree Support Systems

In conjunction with cabling and bracing proper pruning and weight reduction will help with a tree’s stability. 

The angle of a limb’s growth is indicative of it’s structural integrity. It may seem counterintuitive, but the wider and more “U” shaped the angle is at the joint between two limbs, the stronger that joint tends to be. 

The more acute, and “V” shaped joints fail more frequently because they create oppositional pressure within the joint, and do not hold on as tightly when stressed.

Split trunks are most often found on multi-trunked trees. As these trees grow, the weight increases and width of their original stems increases growing wider and wider. Eventually, these trunks will start to grow in a way that creates internal pressure along the joint at the base of the tree. 

Inspection and Maintenance

It is imperative to have your trees inspected post storm by one of our Certified Arborists to assess your tree’s need for cables and bracing to help protect it from becoming a potential hazard. Once assed installation is done by our trained professionals using techniques outlined by The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Cables and bolts are installed correctly by following ANSI guidelines; using the wrong equipment that is not designed for bearing weight or using outdated techniques will do more harm than good. 

After cabling has been installed it is important to have your tree regularly assessed. As the tree grows the tension of the cable may need adjusting, or additional cabling installed.

Dangers of Improper Cabling

After a tree has been damaged homeowners might feel impelled to immediately “help” the tree and install their own support systems to help stabilize the tree. This is extremely dangerous. If your tree is split or is about to split you should avoid the area completely.

• There is no way to predict when the tree is going to fully fail and it is unsafe for untrained individuals to be next to or under a tree that has damage.
• Biggest issue is the false sense of security, when nothing is actually making the tree safer. An improperly installed cable or bolt will not provide any stabilization to the tree.
• Short term they don’t provide any safety, long term the wrapping will restrict growth and choke the tree.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and our community. We are shocked and saddened to see the widespread damage and devastation after the recent storm. So much of our beautiful urban forest has been damaged and we want to help preserve what remains. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns you may have.