As ISA-certified arborists, we’re privileged to work closely with trees, witnessing their incredible beauty and resilience up close. We’re dedicated to their health and longevity. Sometimes, though, we identify trees that need extra support to ensure their stability, safety, and a long life. In these cases, canopy support systems become vital.
Why Do Trees Need Support?
Several factors can lead to a tree needing a support system:
- Structural Weakness: Over time, trees can develop weaknesses. Poor branching patterns, co-dominant stems (two main stems growing at a similar rate), or included bark (bark growing inward between two branches) can all compromise a tree’s structural integrity. These weaknesses increase the risk of a limb or even the entire tree failing, which can pose a risk to people and property. Support systems provide stability, reducing this risk and extending the tree’s life.
- Environmental Stress: Trees are constantly exposed to strong winds, heavy ice or snow loads, and severe storms. These conditions can exert significant forces. Support systems can reinforce a tree, mitigating potential damage from adverse weather.
- Preserving Valuable Trees: Some trees hold significant historical, cultural, or sentimental value to owners and communities. When such trees show signs of weakness, support systems offer an alternative to removal, extending their lifespan and preserving their legacy for future generations.
- Post-Damage Recovery: Trees can suffer damage from storms, construction, or accidental impacts. Bracing or cabling injured trees can stabilize damaged limbs or trunks, helping the tree recover and minimizing further damage.
Choosing the Right Support System
Once we identify a tree that needs support, the next step is determining the best system: dynamic or static. Each system is highly effective depending on the tree and its specific needs. We carefully review all factors to ensure the right choice is made.
Dynamic Support Systems: Flexible Strength
Dynamic support systems are designed to allow controlled movement within a tree’s canopy. These systems primarily reduce stress from excessive swaying during strong winds or storms.
Benefits of Dynamic Systems:
- Promotes Healthy Development: Permitting a degree of swaying encourages healthy limb and trunk development. This controlled movement preserves the tree’s natural response to wind, helping it develop “response wood” for stronger, more flexible limbs and trunks.
- Better Adaptation: Dynamic systems allow trees to adapt better to varying weather conditions. They absorb some of the stress from wind and weather, alleviating strain on the tree’s roots and branches, which helps reduce the risk of failure.
- No Drilling: A key advantage is that dynamic systems don’t require drilling into the tree for hardware or cables. This means no wounds that the tree needs to seal over, and no potential areas for decay.
Static Support Systems: Rigid Stability
Static support systems are designed to restrict or greatly minimize movement within a tree’s canopy. These systems are typically used for trees with significant structural weaknesses, defects, or damage, such as multiple trunks or split branch unions.
Benefits of Static Systems:
- Rigid Support: Static systems provide rigid support to minimize excessive movement and reduce stress on weak or damaged areas.
- Immediate Stability: They’re effective for immediate threats and ideal for trees with clear signs of weakness or potential risks, providing immediate stability and preventing further damage.
- Easier Installation (in some cases): In some instances, static systems can be relatively easier to install than dynamic systems and may require fewer periodic adjustments.
Ensuring Tree Health for Years to Come
Whether it’s addressing structural weakness, mitigating environmental stresses, preserving valuable trees, aiding in post-damage recovery, or implementing preventative measures, support systems play a crucial role in ensuring the health and longevity of trees. It’s our responsibility as arborists to assess each tree’s unique needs and implement support systems thoughtfully and professionally.
Dynamic systems offer benefits like promoting natural trunk development and preserving natural movement, while static systems provide enhanced structural support and immediate corrective action for damaged trees. By carefully considering these factors, we can ensure the right support system is implemented, promoting the health and safety of your trees for years to come.
Do you have a tree that might benefit from a support system? Reach out to us for a professional assessment!