Change of Heart

[GoodYautja]

I used to look at cables and braces with derision. "Just let the tree do what it will, if it is dangerous, remove it and use the opportunity to plant a new one!" The un-natural look of it, the attempt to control nature, the beauty of the tree being messed with...

I have recently found an Ash tree, a healthy Ash tree in Connecticut. This in itself is worthy of note. Maybe the microclimate atop a large hill combined with its seclusion has thus kept it from succumbing to disease, maybe even this special place will help defend it from the oncoming onslaught of the Emerald Ash Borer. An Ash tree with bursting buds throughout the crown... And a large split at the base which will, probably sooner rather than later, be the cause for half, if not all, of the tree to descend back to earth.

I personally do not know of any hardware strong enough to brace this tree, but my heart wants to build an entire scaffold structure around the whole of it, propping its branches up and supporting its trunk, giving it the opportunity to grow and bloom as long as it cares to, for many years to come, indeed, forever.

~GP

 

[Bucknut]

Couldn't hurt to brace as much as possible. 3/4 rod is 20,000 lbs tensile and 5/16 EHS cable is 11,200.

I know the tree would break before those numbers are reached, but that's a lot of help. I've brought some really large splits back together, sometimes using two rods. I'm gonna start doubling up the washers on large trees because they require so much pressure that single washers can be turned into Pringles if you're not careful.

(I also understand this tree may not be a customer's, just one you ran across)

 

[treehumper]

Cabling and bracing can sustain a tree for decades and longer. There's supposedly 1500' of cable and 170' of rods in this oak in Basking Ridge. Not at all unsightly or even noticable.

 

[Treetopflyer]

Cabling and bracing can sustain a tree for decades and longer. There's supposedly 1500' of cable and 170' of rods in this oak in Basking Ridge. Not at all unsightly or even noticable.

That is one gnarly awesome looking character if I don't say so myself.

 

[GoodYautja]

Thanks guys! I was hoping someone might have some info about big bracing, and that photo is wild, and makes quite an impression, what a great tree!

The tree is actually in the family (neighbor has notified of the hazard) and I just got back from climbing it (for fun). Unfortunately it wasn't in quite as good shape as it appeared from the ground, but still would be nice to keep it upright for a while longer... I will be thinking about this

 

[joezilla11]

Came across this guy the other day at the arboretum, not sure who did it tho

 

[treehumper]

That is one gnarly awesome looking character if I don't say so myself.

It's also got a few props on the lower limbs. That work was done in 1924. The tree is reported to be 600 yrs old. It was huge when Washington wandered thru there, Jockey Hollow being just north of this.

 

[guymayor]

"I personally do not know of any hardware strong enough to brace this tree,"

have u read the bmp? changes of heart are great but changes of mind make it happpen.

" but my heart wants to build an entire scaffold structure around the whole of it, propping its branches up and supporting its trunk"

With all we can do with cabling, bracing and propping just play a supporting haha role

pics?

 

[Treetopflyer]

It's also got a few props on the lower limbs. That work was done in 1924. The tree is reported to be 600 yrs old. It was huge when Washington wandered thru there, Jockey Hollow being just north of this.

I have an aunt whom resides 5 minutes from jockey hollow . I'm gonna have to stop by that tree .. Is it on a church property do you know by chance?

 

[treehumper]

Is it on a church property do you know by chance?

Yes, the Church in the center of Basking Ridge. If you're around for Basking Ridge's Charter day we're going to have a table set up. Its May 16th. Or give us a heads up when you're going to be in town.