Cables and brace rods are supplemental structural supports intended to reduce the risk of failure of weak branches and multiple stems.

 

The cables generally consist of extra high strength steel and are attached to bolts installed in the upper crown of a tree. They are intended to limit the movement of the supported branches so that they are less likely to fail during storms.

 

Braces are threaded rods that are installed through unions of weak branches and multiple stems to provide more rigid support from torsional (twisting) forces that can occur in violent weather. 

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Supplemental structural support systems should only be installed based on a thorough inspection and evaluation of tree structure by our arborists. Materials and techniques must comply with published industry European standards. If trees have lightning protection systems, the conductor must be attached to any support cables in the crown.