Cabling/bracing are two forms of structural tree support

When do you cable / brace?

• There are three major uses of cables and braces 
  • prevention: to reduce the chance of failure on a healthy tree with structural weakness 
    • Example: a specimen bur oak in good condition but having large limbs with "V-crotches"
  • restoration: to prolong the existence of a damaged tree 
    • Example:  a large Mulberry that lost one of its leaders in a storm, leaving the  others suddenly exposed and vulnerable to further damage
  • mitigation: to reduce the hazard potential of a tree 
    • Example: a picturesque multi-stemmed Locust  that towers over a picnic shelter

How is the cabling / bracing done?

• By certified arborist who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area.
• There are many important technical aspects to correct cabling and bracing 
  • the strength and material of the hardware
  • the arrangement of the cables (simple, triangle, box) or rods (single, multiple, etc.)
  • the location, type and size of the entries made into the tree
• "All work and materials shall be in accordance with ANSI, A300 Tree Care Standards (Part 3) -- 2000."