Will, Interesting observations. I never really thought about how cabling systems should work. BVP also suggested that when dealing with long limbs such as on some of the live oaks that whether or not they were self supported or whether they rested on the ground should be noted. Your comments on the cabling system fits in the same category. I suppose the length of time a tree has been cabled would affect the degree to which the cabling may have affected the tree's structure. I would thin props under limbs likewise should be noted. Are there many trees that have been cable or propped? Is it a large consideration or one of detail?
Ed Any further updates on the potential Congaree Trip? http://nature-web-network.blogspot.com/ http://primalforests.ning.com/ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=709156957 ----- Original Message ----- From: Will Blozan To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 9:34 AM Subject: RE: [ENTS] Georgia/ATL champion oak ID confirmation? Randy, Static cables (i.e. steel), anchored in sound wood only serves to make the tree rigid and less able to absorb wind/load energy and can introduce decay (probable main cause of the death of the Wye Oak in MD). Traditionally these are installed under load so they by default "trick" the tree into not building wood to support itself. A dynamic cabling system allows the tree to move and respond to load (and thus grow reaction wood) and absorb loads by flexing and moving. The dynamic systems are designed to be there as a "backup plan" in the event of a severe movement to prevent failure, or to restrain the parts in the event of a failure. Furthermore, static cables often result in the tree growing taller or wider since they are supplementally supported. This should be noted in ENTS tree listings as the figure may be artificial (the GA oak in question, the Sunderland Sycamore, etc.) Will F. Blozan President, Eastern Native Tree Society President, Appalachian Arborists, Inc. "No sympathy for apathy" http://nature-web-network.blogspot.com/ http://primalforests.ning.com/ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=709156957 -- Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected]
