When a thunderstorm blows through central Tennessee, you might awaken the next day to find that one of your mature trees now has a leaning trunk. Determining how to brace a large leaning tree requires the expertise of professionals offering tree services in Nashville, TN. Experts know when and how to install tree support braces to make the trunk stable again.
Here is how they do it.
Study the Trunk and Moisten the Soil Before Starting
Professionals will study the damaged trunk before beginning any work. If it has a lean of more than 15 degrees, straightening is less likely to work, in which case they might recommend removing the tree altogether.
Otherwise, they’ll use deep watering to moisten the ground before beginning the work. This increases the likelihood that the roots will move as needed during straightening.
Add at Least Three Stakes Around the Trunk
The best way to support a leaning tree safely is to place stakes around the trunk. Hammer the stakes into the ground at a 45-degree angle and bury them at least 18 inches deep. The stakes should be upwind of the leaning trunk with the heads of the angled stakes pointing toward the trunk.
Pull the Trunk Into a Vertical Position
The next step in bracing a large leaning tree is using cables to pull the trunk as close as possible to an upright position. The professionals might use large vehicles or machinery to do this.
Larger trees are more difficult to pull upright. In some cases, the arborists might pull the trunk straight in stages over several days.
Create an Anchor To Hold the Trunk Upright
One of the best bracing techniques for large trees with a lean after pulling them straight is using cables to hold them in place. This requires a covering for the cables that protects the bark from damage. Wrapping the cables in a garden hose or canvas should prevent them from digging into the bark.
Regularly Check the Tree’s Stability and the Cable Tension
Arborists will check the tension of the cables every week or so, as they tend to go slack as the tree’s roots regain stability. They should be tightened to maintain the proper level of tension, or else the trunk might lean back out of place.
Trust Spruce Up Tree Care for Help With Supporting Leaning Trunks Until the Roots Have Time To Stabilize
Bracing a large leaning tree in Nashville, TN, requires help from seasoned professionals offering tree care services. At Spruce Up Tree Care, our experts will study the damage to your mature plant and determine whether it can be saved with bracing and cables.
If the lean is too severe, we might recommend felling it. Otherwise, we’ll take the necessary steps to fix a leaning tree by stabilizing it. We can also provide some tree stabilization tips for homeowners to follow. For a free cost estimate, call us today at (901) 833-8242.
