Cabling & Bracing
A certified Arborist can conclude whether
or not one of the following techniques will be beneficial for the survival
and longevity of your tree. In addition, these techniques are sometimes
necessary for human safety.
Arboriculture
has included the practice of cabling and bracing since the early 20th
century. The main objective to cabling/bracing is safety. That is,
the safety of the inhabitants of a property and the safety of a valuable
tree. Potentially weak, dangerous limbs can be prevented with specialized
observation and planning. Certain tree species may develop a weak crotch
(split in the tree trunk) and weak limbs as they grow over time. These
“weak” areas can result from a lack of pruning, incorrect pruning, and/or
inaccurate timing when pruning. Also, multi-stemmed trees are especially
susceptible to breaking under the stress of wind. Likewise, as our Kansas
City patrons know all too well, the weight of accumulated ice and snow can
cause even large limbs to break under pressure.
Cabling
- the installation of hardware in trees to provide added support to
potentially weak and dangerous limbs. Two types of cabling available are
steel and nylon (Cobra System).
Bracing
- the use of steel rods to add rigid support to a tree for weak areas,
split crotches, and reinforcing decayed areas. (Most of the time, this
method is used in combination with cabling.)
The experts
at Hendrickson Tree Care can determine when cabling/bracing would be
ideal, and what method should be executed to ensure your safety and the
durability of your trees. Hendrickson Tree Care proudly supports the use
of the Cobra Dynamic Bracing System and products.
Hazardous Tree Evaluation
When dealing with hazardous tree
situations, it is essential to involve an arborist. Even the most
beautiful trees can sometimes present unexpected dangers. The dangers
associated with trees can be significantly reduced by hiring a
professional to perform an on-going maintenance program.
It is
important to consider three aspects when determining the hazard potential
of a tree. Consider these with the understanding that a tree can fail at
anytime throughout the year. The three aspects are as follows: a defect,
the potential for failure, and a target.
Defects
- When determining the hazard potential of a tree, you should look for
visible defects. However, it is very important to understand that even if
you don’t see a defect, the tree may still be hazardous. A limb that has
broken and is hanging on top of other limbs is a defect. This “hanger”
could break the limbs below it or slip off the limbs at anytime. Observing
the condition of the leaves (color and abundance) will sometimes give you
an indication of the tree’s health.
Potential for
Failure – This is perhaps the most difficult aspect to determine. Failure
may result from a variety of circumstances including decay, excessive
branch end weight, storm damage, root system failure, unnatural lean,
cracks, and a hollow trunk or tree cavity. Decay is most easily identified
by the presence of fungi (mushrooms, conks) that live in decayed matter.
Weakened trees will also harbor insect populations, and be more prone to
diseases.
Target
- The target is relatively easy to determine. If there is nothing in the
vicinity of the tree that can be damaged, the tree is not a hazard. If
there are people or other valuable objects frequently in the vicinity of
the tree, the tree should be considered a hazard tree.
Since it is
sometimes difficult for a homeowner to make the determinations mentioned,
it is imperative to involve a certified arborist. In some cases,
the arborist will use further means to determine hazard potential.
For further information on
recognizing tree hazards, click
here.
Tree
Care Specifications
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1)
General Liability Insurance: $1,000,000.00 per incident.
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2)
Workers' Compensation Insurance.
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3)
All work shall be performed by trained arborists who are certified or
directly supervised by an arborist who is certified through an accepted
organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture or the
Kansas Arborist Association. (Bidders will be required to
present written proof of certification along with their bid.)
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4)
Live trees shall not be ascended with spurs and all pruning equipment
shall be sterilized prior to pruning.
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5)
All equipment to be used and all work to be performed must be in full
compliance with the most current revision of the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI Z133.1) Standard for tree care operations.
(Copies can be obtained for a fee by contacting the International
Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association.)
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6)
HTC is solely responsible for pedestrian and vehicular safety control within the worksite. HTC shall provide the necessary warning
devices, barricades, and ground personnel required to ensure the safety,
protection and warning of pedestrian and vehicular traffic within the area.
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7)
Any damage to trees or property caused by HTC will be repaired
immediately at no additional expense, and to the satisfaction of the
owners.
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8)
All debris from tree trimming, tree removal, and stump operations shall
be cleaned up each day before the work crew leaves the site, unless
otherwise coordinated by the owner and crew leader. All lawn areas shall be
raked, all streets and sidewalks shall be swept, and all brush,
branches, and logs shall be removed from the site.
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9)
HTC will, at our expense, procure all necessary licenses and permits
needed to conduct the work as required.
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10)
All subcontractors shall be bound by the conditions of these
specifications.
