Structural Bracing
Like most living things, trees possess imperfections in their physical architecture that can result in structural weaknesses. Arborists call these imperfections tree defects. The most common defects include:
- cavities which are hollow or rotten portions of branch or stem wood where decay fungi have broken down a portion of the woody tissue
- seams and cracks as a result of a naturally-occurring growth defect or one that is caused by excessive movement during storm or wind events
- weak branch attachments that are naturally-occurring growth defects present in most species of trees
When appropriate, certified arborists from Tree Specialists install structural braces to add supplemental support to tree defects. While this does not eliminate the possibility of tree failure, it reduces failure potential and allows us to preserve trees that might otherwise break apart or have to be removed. We install both cable brace systems and rod braces to reinforce defects in both shade trees and ornamental tree species.
