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TREE CABLING

 A noninvasive cabling used by arborists to protect and improve the structural integrity of trees.

GIVE US A CALL AT (503) 683-2003

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It's time tested!

TREE CABLING SERVICE

In the early 1900s, tree cabling was developed as an alternative to cutting down cherished and historic trees. Arborists have found that a steel utility wire strung between the branches of a tree can prevent wind and heavy ice from pulling trees apart, often isolating damage to the tree above the wire. As time went on, this process became increasingly popular as an alternative to removing middle-aged "oddly shaped" trees, as well as a kind of insurance policy for nearby structures.

 

TreeMedics LLC offers the best tree cabling service in Tualatin, Oregon.

We're looking forward to working with you!

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As trees grow, their physical structure may not be able to support the growth, resulting in structural failure. The right circumstances can cause any tree to fail, even those without structural defects. 

If a large branch, trunk, or root system fails structurally, it can cause significant property damage, personal injury, or even death. Moreover, it can lead to the decline of a tree's health over time. Arborists use cables and bracing rods to add support to weak structures.

 

Different trees have different characteristics. The architecture of two trees within the same species can differ dramatically based on wind exposure. A tree like an oak grows tall quickly to reach the light in a wind-protected forest. This species grows quickly, short and stocky in open pastures where vast amounts of light are available. On a mountainside where wind is constant, it will grow slowly, short and stocky, and with a distinctive aerodynamic shape. Clearly, exposure to wind (and ice) affects tree shape a lot.

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WHAT IS TREE CABLING?

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Tree cabling is the practice of tethering two or more limbs together, not to keep unhealthy trees from “falling apart,” but to assist healthy, odd shaped trees in resisting the stresses of extreme weather (wind and ice).

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WHAT CAN CABLING DO FOR MY TREE?

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In addition to providing supplemental support to strong and flexible wood fiber, cables can provide additional support to trees with potentially weak crotches. With millions of years of evolution, trees have adapted to environmental stresses by flexing and growing excess tissue only where needed, anything more is a waste. Cables should be arranged in a manner that works with, rather than against, a tree's natural and flexible defense against wind. Improper cable placement can negatively impact this response. Dynamic cables absorb shock associated with wind activity (shock loading) and can be installed rather loosely (compared to steel cables) to promote self-sustaining growth in light wind and ice. If installed prior to a split, dynamic cable provides a great chance of deterring future failure while providing the type of support that encourages ongoing strong, healthy growth.

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IS THERE ANYTHING CABLING WON'T DO FOR MY TREE?

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Keeping it together is key. An open crack in a tree may require bracing with rod and supplemental cable so that environmental stress will not shear the canopy apart.

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WHAT CAUSES A TREE TO NEED CABLING?

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A lack of proper pruning during the tree's formative years, leaving dominant stems or sharp v-shaped crotches to become the primary energy producing part of the mature tree. In other cases, the goal is to protect nearby, valuable structures or properties (like homes or swimming pools).

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HOW LONG DO CABLES LAST?

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The usefulness of cables expires at around 10 years after they are built, even though cables last physically for 50 years. As the tree grows longer than mechanically advantageous for the cable, the role of leverage begins to reverse.

 

WHAT TYPE OF CABLE SYSTEM DO WE USE?

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A non-invasive system called Cobra Dynamic Cables, they require neither drilling nor metallic hardware to be installed in trees. The UV-protected rope-like material has a unique self-adjusting feature that prevents the point of attachment from being girdled (choked). 

 

Provides flexible restraint to aging trees in wind or icy weather:

• Non-invasive technology requires no drilling into healthy wood!

• Non-conductive, non-reflective, lightweight materials.

• Provides shock-absorption at a fraction of the cost of metal springs.

• Long lasting, UV protected materials.

• Strong yet flexible- choose from 3 sizes: 2-ton, 4-ton or 8-ton strengths.

• Easy installation requires none of the tools associated with bending or cutting heavy wire.

We invite you to give us a call today! 503-683-2003

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Got a question? We'd love to hear from you!

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