Bracing

[Blaisey]

I ve got a customer who has asked if I can or should release the bracing on his Horse Chestnut tree, as the pics show theres two sets of bracing steel cable lower then webbing higher up. The steel is very tight and the webbing is slack. I never done any bracing theory or practical any help Gratefully received thanks.

 

I am due to do a minor thin for light in the garden subject to planning...

[Peter]

No, leave the steel well alone. The tree will have adapted over time to account for the bracing, removing it could cause catastrophic failure.

[Blaisey]

That make sense Many thanks!

[Wolfie]

Totally agree with Peter - leave the wire cable in place.

I can't understand why the cobra cable was installed so close to the original support.

If it was needed at all, I would have put it a lot higher in the crown.

[Marc]

It doesn't really look high enough, steel cable attachments can blow out in time on Horse Chesnut and Oak it seems these species do not take well to invasive bracing unlike Beech which fairs well with it. Something to to do with the tannins reacting with the steel and the lack of compartmentalising around it, i think.

[treeseer]

I agree cobra is way tool low. The steel should be checked for wear, corrosion, misalignment---how close are the fasteners on that middle stem? check the tree for cracks, rot, etc.

O and don't overdo the thinning--that will make the tree more top-heavy! Sell him on some light reduction as well, to lessen shade and improve structure.

[MattyF]

It doesn't really look high enough, steel cable attachments can blow out in time on Horse Chesnut and Oak it seems these species do not take well to invasive bracing unlike Beech which fairs well with it. Something to to do with the tannins reacting with the steel and the lack of compartmentalising around it, i think.

 

From my dealings with chestnut and oak I can only totally agree Marc .

[Blaisey]

Brillant thanks very much for your time and advice.

 

Blaise

[treeseer]

I steel cable attachments can blow out in time on Horse Chesnut and Oak it seems these species do not take well to invasive bracing unlike Beech which fairs well with it. Something to to do with the tannins reacting with the steel and the lack of compartmentalising around it, i think.

 

"Blow-outs" typically due to lack of maintenance, poor placement, wrong materials, or wrong installation. Oak is an excellent compartmentalizer, in North America anyway.

 

If a species can wall off big invasive pruning cuts, little drill holes are not a problem.

[Blaisey]

That is very interesting, Blaize!

 

I wonder if you can obtain a view as to whether the existing rope bracing is at a high enough level and if there should be more than just two limbs connected? My view is that if the wire bracing did fail, there isn't enough to take the inevitable strain......but I could be wrong of course!

 

Thanks, Peter