would you cable this?

[macrocarpa]

This is a tulip poplar that was topped a long time ago. There is one large fork at the lower trunk, and each side then splits off into 2-3 more leaders.

I figure it could be cabled with an X (2 systems) or a hub and spoke system, but I've never installed a hub and spoke. I would think that dynamic cabling would be the way to go becasue it would seem that poplar re-growth would rapidly decay?

My main concern is attaching a cable to the weakly attached re-growth may not be a good idea? The tree is growing fairly straight up so maybe a cable isn't even necessary?

Any thoughts?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78948072@N04/7067367387/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78948072@N04/7067368953/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78948072@N04/7067369965/in/photostream/

 

[robinia]

Looks like a nice tree.
I'd go for it, especially as there is really no downside with dynamic, just extra security. Maybe just keep it (them) a little looser.
It's always a question of cost for the HO isn't it? With no real cons it's totally up to them.
I always ask myself "what would I do if this tree was in my backyard?"

Good luck!

 

[theXman]

I'd like to see more close up pictures before I can give opinion. What's going on above the v-crotch? A limb that grafted both sides together? Would need to see both sides of the union too.

 

[jomoco]

I'd suggest putting a large one inch rod at the base, just above the V crotch, straight through where the callous buttresses meet. Then a hub and spoke system above at the 2/3rds mark. 5-7 steel cables with through bolts in the largest upwards leaders using a 5/8ths ring in the exact middle.

But that's just my rather old school cabling opinion.

You'll definitely need a large 3/4 electric drill to rod the base. I'd start with a 5/8ths pilot drill bit, and pull it out every three inches forward to clear out the pilot hole, if you have the strength.

Warning a 3/4 electric drill has enough torque to break both your arms, and snap a half inch drill bit like a twig. So drill in small increments, and pull the drill out very often to clear the hole, or else,,,,,,,you're screwed.

I'd charge a grand, plus hardware and electric drill rental costs for a job like that.

Jomoco

 

[treestyler]

Looks like a perfectly healthy and nice growing tree.
Cabling with dynamic rope cables would be an extra option for extra safety but as you mention yourself could potentially be even a non safety when the wood up there isn't strong enough.

My personal view is that if the tree is still dangerous after pruning you need to add an extra safety. But the looks of it makes me wonder if a cable would be required and probably only pruning every now and then will do the job and keeps the tree from oversizing and reduces wind dynamics as well.

But, pictures don't tell as much as your gut. Go with what you feel is adequate for the situation.

good luck.

 

[guymayor]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd like to see more close up pictures before I can give opinion. What's going on above the v-crotch? A limb that grafted both sides together? Would need to see both sides of the union too.

[/ QUOTE ]

X2, X. Mac, once again we got the cabling decision cart put in front of the diagnosis horse. First things first!

As X points out, it looks like a limb-trunk graft has failed. If it's 100% failed and the tree relied on it, there are deep issues here. And how bad is the V crotch--did you even probe it with a screwdriver? Sound it with a hammer ? Anything?

And the forks at the old topping cuts--ho much inclusion?

jomoco, do you have Liriodendron is San diego? this is not the best genus to bore through the heart of.