Cable bracing.... when's the best time?

[Gary Prentice]

To quantify my earlier post and still to be in agreement with Hama's.

 

If there is an assessment of a weak structure, either a weak union, with included bark between co-dom' stems, or an over-extended limb etc and a decision is made to install cables I'd definitely instal at the earliest opportunity. (with a scheduled adjustment visit once in leaf)

 

This morning every tree in sight was loaded with snow and we've all seen failures due to that.

 

Section 10.2 of BS3998:2010

• commitment and availability of resources to undertake the required

continuing maintenance of the restraint or support system;

 

My personal opinion would be that if a structural weakness has been identified, remediation works are required now. I think we'd be on a very sticky wicket if failure occured while we were waiting for the leaves to come out.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I would brace at any time but follow up with a check in 3 months then 6 months, adjustments can be made to suit.

 

That's what I've always maintained.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

To quantify my earlier post and still to be in agreement with Hama's.

 

If there is an assessment of a weak structure, either a weak union, with included bark between co-dom' stems, or an over-extended limb etc and a decision is made to install cables I'd definitely instal at the earliest opportunity. (with a scheduled adjustment visit once in leaf)

 

This morning every tree in sight was loaded with snow and we've all seen failures due to that.

 

Section 10.2 of BS3998:2010

• commitment and availability of resources to undertake the required

continuing maintenance of the restraint or support system;

 

My personal opinion would be that if a structural weakness has been identified, remediation works are required now. I think we'd be on a very sticky wicket if failure occured while we were waiting for the leaves to come out.

 

That's what I've always maintained.

 

good points well made but we also have to balance "reasonable" too, meaning severity and costs, urgency etc. and if the risks where that iminent we would also be suggesting a bit of end load reduction to said hazzardous limb stem.

 

also worth pointing out that (and this is a tested one) if we cable a co dom stem with a single cable or multiples above each other we still have the issue of side loading via winds. This leaves you liable in the barn door failure scenario. if an A-frame style support cant be achieved to alleviate the barn door scenarion a reduction of the load is advisable as in cabling one acknowledges the fault, but in a single line system one has failed to acknowledge the barn door potential from side loading. A very pertinent and important consideration in the scenario of twin co dom stems.

 

with multiples of stems a different system can be applied and avoid the issues but its a complex method im still working out the finer details on but will allow all independent movements to remain under all but severe loadings when we actualy need the cables to do the work they was intended for.

 

always remember were rarely installing a tight system, and it is surprising just how much movement we can allow for. cabling is generally a precaution, often it can be applied to "redirect" failures too, this is a consideration few realize or utilise to its max.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

good points well made but we also have to balance "reasonable" too, meaning severity and costs, urgency etc. and if the risks where that iminent we would also be suggesting a bit of end load reduction to said hazzardous limb stem.

 

also worth pointing out that (and this is a tested one) if we cable a co dom stem with a single cable or multiples above each other we still have the issue of side loading via winds. This leaves you liable in the barn door failure scenario. if an A-frame style support cant be achieved to alleviate the barn door scenarion a reduction of the load is advisable as in cabling one acknowledges the fault, but in a single line system one has failed to acknowledge the barn door potential from side loading. A very pertinent and important consideration in the scenario of twin co dom stems.

 

with multiples of stems a different system can be applied and avoid the issues but its a complex method im still working out the finer details on but will allow all independent movements to remain under all but severe loadings when we actualy need the cables to do the work they was intended for.

 

always remember were rarely installing a tight system, and it is surprising just how much movement we can allow for. cabling is generally a precaution, often it can be applied to "redirect" failures too, this is a consideration few realize or utilise to its max.

 

So, anybody not well versed in cable bracing will have so far learnt that it's actually a very complex subject and best not forget the potential legal ramifications involved.

[Wolfie]

So, anybody not well versed in cable bracing will have so far learnt that it's actually a very complex subject and best not forget the potential legal ramifications involved.

 

OMTC, I Have huge respect for you and your fantastic postings in Favourite TV Girl but i've seen quite a few posts in the past about legal ramifications with regards to cable bracing and "admitting a fault with the tree" and it really winds me up.

I would much prefer to cable and retain a tree (with possibly a reduction, if needed) than to fell. I would be interested to know if anyone has ever been prosecuted for a failed cabled tree.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

OMTC, I Have huge respect for you and your fantastic postings in Favourite TV Girl but i've seen quite a few posts in the past about legal ramifications with regards to cable bracing and "admitting a fault with the tree" and it really winds me up.

I would much prefer to cable and retain a tree (with possibly a reduction, if needed) than to fell. I would be interested to know if anyone has ever been prosecuted for a failed cabled tree.

 

There was a case involving the barn door failure senario I described, Im not suggesting anything other than just highlighting the considerations, ive done a lot of cabling and just passing on the experiences and knowledge gained.

 

and I know you wasnt aiming the post at me, but had to clarify, and also agree with your sentiment. There is an over emphasis of fear and loathing for the legal implications, as long as we can justify what we do having sound principals we will rarely fall foul of the lawyers.