Tree cabling and bracing are techniques used to support and strengthen structurally weak or damaged trees, helping to prevent branch or trunk failure. These methods are typically applied to trees with large, heavy limbs, multiple trunks (codominant stems), or trees that have suffered storm damage but are still healthy enough to be preserved. Here’s a breakdown of each process:

Cabling:
- Purpose: Cabling is used to reduce stress on a tree’s branches by redistributing the weight and stabilizing weak or heavy limbs. It’s often applied to prevent the splitting of large limbs or to support limbs that might be at risk of breaking due to high winds or their own weight.
- Method: Steel or synthetic cables are installed between branches, usually in the upper canopy of the tree. These cables act like a brace, limiting the movement of branches during storms and reducing the chances of them breaking.
- Placement: Cables are typically attached to healthy limbs or trunks and positioned high in the tree to be less visible and provide maximum support.
Bracing:
- Purpose: Bracing involves using rods to reinforce weak or cracked areas of a tree, such as a split trunk or major branches that could collapse under stress.
- Method: Metal rods are inserted through the trunk or large branches to hold together parts of the tree that are at risk of splitting. This provides additional structural support from the inside of the tree.
- Placement: Bracing rods are installed internally at weak junctions or cracks to prevent further damage.