What is Tree Cabling?

If you’ve ever taken a walk around your neighborhood and spotted metal cables around tree trunks or branches, that is an instance of cabling. By installing and anchoring them, it can allow damaged trees to heal an regrow over time.

Unfortunately, cabling trees that don’t require it may lead to producing the opposite effect. You can think of it as a back brace for trees!

Today we’re covering what tree cabling is, how the application works, and whether or not your plants require it. And for all other concerns, you can always call Rochester Tree Service!

What is Cabling?
Trees that become split at the trunk, are structurally unstable, or at risk of breaking open require some form of cabling. Often the process involves holding the branches together, although a girdle can get used to force the trunk in place.

Another reason cabling is useful is for enormous branches growing in odd directions. Rather than cutting it off, it can get trained instead.

Cabling is useful for branches that you don’t want to remove, or even can’t, due to their location or necessity to the plant. But through cabling, you can ensure that they won’t fall on top of what’s below.

Do All Trees Need Cabling?
A common misconception for homeowners and even some landscaping service providers is that all trees require cabling at some point. While some saplings do need them, wiring young trees unnecessarily can lead to it growing incorrectly.

Rather than producing proper stature and growth, it can force it to become misshapen, or lean to one side. Over time, it can push the tree to uproot itself, causing it to collapse.

Unless a tree is a recommended candidate for cabling, it’s something you’ll want to avoid doing. Otherwise, it may create stress cracks in the trunk, or even kill it from the pressure.

Is it the Same as Staking?
Some mistake cabling for staking or they use the terms interchangeably. Staking is what is used for young saplings as it only creates temporary support.

Cabling, on the other hand, is a more permanent solution. While eventually the cables may be removed, they’ll likely need to remain screwed in place onto the trunk.
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Staking may also rely on a neighboring tree to create a temporary support system. Cabling is self-sufficient, with tension getting generated from the other branches to distribute the pressure evenly.

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Other Applications
Although cabling trees get primarily used for structural concerns, there are other applications as well. In fact, sometimes a tree isn’t cabled until after it’s suffered storm damage.

When a damaged area poses a threat of splitting the entire tree, cabling can take much of the weight and stress off of it. Even if it’s partially destroyed, you can give the affected area a fighting chance.
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Another reason to cable is preventing limbs from falling into public sidewalks or walkways. When a significant branch hangs over where people visit, it’s a courtesy to avoid unnecessary accidents and injuries.

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