3 Effective Tree Support Techniques

Trees that are in danger of collapsing may require structural supports to keep them intact and prevent a hazardous situation that could result in injury or the destruction of your property. If you have a tree with split crotches or with large, overlying branches that are at risk of breaking, it may help to seek the expertise of a tree service company about how you can strengthen their structure.

You may also want to consider structural support techniques if your home is located in an area prone to thunderstorms, heavy winds, or snowfall that could damage trees or cause them to fall. Here is a look at several techniques that may help support trees that are at risk or collapse or damage.

Tree cabling and bracing

This involves the use of wires or straps to support parts of a tree that are weakened or in danger of collapsing. Tree service contractors usually examine different parts of the affected tree to determine areas that could be structurally weak, especially long, ever-thickening branches or trees with two co-dominant stems.

In cases of a tree with co-dominant stems that weaken its structure due to their 'V' shape, nylon cables that are flexible enough to allow for tree movements may be tied around the separated trunks so as to cradle them and allow the tree to remain strong and grow naturally. If a tree is leaning dangerously, it can also be supported by cables anchored to the ground or to neighboring trees. Cabling can come in handy in areas where storms have resulted in fallen trees in the past.

Bracing is another effective tree support technique that can be used to hold together split crotches, weak branch unions, or cracked branches. Tree experts insert metal rods through the weakened or cracked area to screw together the split in the tree. In cases of a V-shaped trunk, a brace can be inserted between the two sides to keep them structurally intact and prevent collapsing. If cracking is a result of a low-lying, overgrown branch, pruning could be done to reduce the weight of the affected area and prevent further deterioration.

Tree propping

For trees with long, lateral branches that are too weak to stand on their own or that obstruct views and pathways, props could be used to hold them in place. These props are usually wooden and constructed per the uniqueness of the tree and aesthetic requirements from the tree owner.

The above tree support techniques can help improve the integrity of a leaning, cracked, or structurally weak tree structures. Get in touch with a service like Tree Sculptors for assistance with the trees in your yard.