What to cable with

[Toparboring]

I was talking to a client that we just aquired and they want to have a tree supported. I was just wondering whichh would you use in support for a tree. Cable or one of the tree safe systems (cobra) to support the tree. I talked over the phone with them going to look at the tree tomarrow.
I have done cable before and I do not know did not like drilling into a tree for support. I can do it if that is what they want just thinking about the tree safe systems and how they hold up.
Nate

 

[Stumper]

Cobra is the easiest system to install.Also lower in cost. There is still a limited place for steel static systems but for the most part I'm convinced that dynamic is superior for the tree and it is WAYYYYYYYY better to work with for the installer.

 

[Toparboring]

That was the way I was going. Looked at the system in sherrill. It all has to be a question till I look at the tree. Thanks for the info.

 

[treesandsurf]

I would be careful in assuming that the cobra (or dynamic) system is more superior to cable. I think both have their appropriate uses in different situations. I worked for a well known arborist in california and asked him the same question.

He said that he uses both for different situations. Cobra cabling is MUCH more susceptible to wear, from insects, squirrels, weather etc... So in the long run you can't really say that cobra is cheaper if you are having to replace parts of the systems after several years. Traditional cabling is more invasive and is not quite as strong in shock loading situations. Good luck, I would consider the situation and go from there.

jp

 

[TLHamel]

If the crotch is not split or failure is not imminent, I use Guardian. If the crotch IS split and failure IS imminent, I will brace and cable according to ANSI A300. Of course, if the tree is an un-mitigatable hazard I will recommend removal.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

An option for a split union is to make a hybrid system. Combine traditional with current cabling systems.

A couple of splits that clients called about are still standing for five years. I know...not a long time

What I did was pull the split wood back together, add in through bolts to hold the fractured wood. Then I installed a traditional steel cable using through bolts/Amon eyes. The cable is installed in a position that would fit with what the A300 standards call a brace. In one application the cable is above the bracing formula in the A300 but much lower than the 2/3 recommended height.

After the bolts an flexible braces are installed all of the come-alongs are removed so that the tree can settle into it's new perspective. The upper canopy is supported using dynamic, non-invasive cabling. In the two examples that I have done hybrids I used Guardian from Fresco.

 

[Toparboring]

I do thank all for the ideas and will go from there, went to take a looksie and well the one I saw was a definate removal. The one she pointed to wellllll that is one for the why I see nothing wrong with it, just to get a better view I climbed up and saw nothing really wrong except for some reduction pruning. I do have another tree that will need cabling and i was running with a hybrid theory and wondered and Tom you confirmed it, ok just have to keep to ANZI 300 rules and we will be running. More ideas are good I do againn thatnks for the brain picking.
Nate