Did you know that every 1.2 seconds, humans destroy a football pitch worth of forest area?

While we can’t single-handly stop this level of destruction, we can preserve the trees on our personal properties so they can continue to clean the atmosphere and regulate the environment.

Sometimes, however, we have a tree in our yard that looks like it might not make it—or needs to be cut down for safety reasons. Fortunately, you can often save these trees with tree cabling.

If you care about your trees, whether for environmental purposes or just because you love what they add to your property, then you need to know about tree cabling.

Otherwise, you might lose a tree that could have been saved, or experience unnecessary damage to your property.

Are you curious to know what tree cabling is and how it can save trees and property from damage? If yes, keep reading as we share everything you need to know about tree cabling.

Tree Cabling Gives Support to Compromised Branches

One of the most common uses of tree cabling is to provide support to compromised branches. Sometimes, tree branches get so big; their sheer weight puts them in danger of craking away from the truck. When this happens, they come crashing down, often ripping bark off and endangering the tree’s truck.

Besides this, overly heavy branches also put your home, yard, and everyone in it at risk. If a large branch falls on a member of your family or your roof, it can bring severe consequences.

To understand how cabling can prevent this from happening, you need to know the answer to “what is tree cabling.”

Tree cabling is the practice of supporting tree branches using cables secured to stable areas of the tree’s structure. An arborist will typically bore holes into the compromised branch, attach the cables, and then attach the other ends to a place higher up on the tree’s trunk.

If done well, tree cabling is very inconspicuous and won’t ruin the appearance of your tree’s structure.

Cabling Can Save Trees With Split Trunks

While tree cabling can keep your tree safe from breaking boughs, it can also save trees that have split trunks.

If one of your trees has been struck by lightning or had its truck split by wind damage—the damage can often seem irreparable.

However, if you want to save your tree, one of the questions to ask your arborist is whether cabling and bracing might be a good option. A certified arborist will be able to tell you if cabling, bracing, or a combination of both these measures will be able to possibly save your tree.

Cabling and Bracing Is a Good Solution for Co-Dominant Leaders

Do you have a tree that seems to be sporting two equal-sized trunks coming out from its base area? If so, this is called a co-dominant leader.

Co-dominant leaders often have issues with trunk splits, especially as they age and carry more weight. If you have a tree with co-dominant leaders, you should monitor this as part of your tree maintenance program.

If you see any signs of splitting, you should definitely call in an arborist. Besides this, you should also check to see if the tree in question is a species that’s easily susceptible to breakages, such as silver maples.

It’s an Ideal Solution for Trees That Are Prone to Breakages

If you do happen to have a tree that’s prone to limb-dropping, like the silver maple, it can be a good idea to secure its limbs with tree cabling from the get-go. That way, you know that your yard will be protected from damage should a high wind come up, and your family is safe from injury.

Tree Cabling Also Guards Against Storm and Snow Damage

Here in Florida, we have some strong winds. Hurricane strength winds, to be exact. Flying broken branches can wreak havoc in these conditions.

Does this mean we should rid our yards of all trees? No.

If you are worried about the impact of hurricanes or things like snow damage, then tree cabling is an ideal solution. Not only does it protect your tree, but it also ensures that branches cannot break free during storm conditions and cause further damage in your yard.

Tree Cabling Can Save Other Elements of Your Property

As we just said, dropping tree limbs can cause serious damage to your property. Do you have tree limbs hanging over your roof, an outdoor living area, or a walkway? If so, it’s often best to get these cabled.

Once the branches are cabled, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they can’t suddenly come down and wreak havoc. This can save you substantially in maintenance costs. It can also protect your family and any visitors to your property.

Tree Cabling Can, Most Importantly, Protect Your Family

Last but not least, any tree cabling protects not only your majestic giants but also your family. A falling tree branch can be lethal, depending on its size.

If your kids are playing and a large branch falls on them, it can cause significant injuries. What’s more, say an outside person is injured by a falling tree branch in your yard? This is often grounds for a lawsuit, something nobody wants.

Do You Need Tree Cabling Done?

Now that you know about tree cabling’s applications and benefits, do you think you need it? Either to keep keep your tree safe, your yard safe, or your family safe?

If you are wondering whether tree cabling is the solution you need for one of your trees, contact us today.

Our team of certified and skilled arborists has extensive experience in diagnosing trees. They will quickly be able to see what the best solution for your yard is.