tree cabling - Ask Extension
wanting to get some lower branches and dead wood removed from a couple oaks. two of the companies that gave us an estimate included estimates for cabl...
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tree cabling #947787
Asked October 27, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT
wanting to get some lower branches and dead wood removed from a couple oaks. two of the companies that gave us an estimate included estimates for cabling the oaks, which we did not ask for. just wondering if tree cabling is valuable, needed, or a scam? if not a scam, do you have a guestimate on a fair price? what is the preferred method: drilling through the tree and inserting hardware or wrapping the cable around the tree?
thanks,
thomas
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for letting me help you with your cabling questions. Yes cabling is legit. The question would be whether or not your trees need it to be done.
Cabling reinforces branches, gives support to branches and limits the distance that they can move. The material used depends on your tree.
If you want an answer as to whether your trees need to be cabled, I would call a certified arborist. Here is a good link to find one. https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
I don’t know how many estimates your received, but if all or most of them suggested the cabling it should probably be done, but check with the arborist. He may also be able to give you a price range. If it does need to be done, it is for safety reasons for both you (your property) and the tree. Here is some information to look over
https://www.healthytrees.com/newsletter/your-cabling-and-bracing-questions-answered/
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2585
Hope this helps!
Thanks for letting me help you with your cabling questions. Yes cabling is legit. The question would be whether or not your trees need it to be done.
Cabling reinforces branches, gives support to branches and limits the distance that they can move. The material used depends on your tree.
If you want an answer as to whether your trees need to be cabled, I would call a certified arborist. Here is a good link to find one. https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
I don’t know how many estimates your received, but if all or most of them suggested the cabling it should probably be done, but check with the arborist. He may also be able to give you a price range. If it does need to be done, it is for safety reasons for both you (your property) and the tree. Here is some information to look over
https://www.healthytrees.com/newsletter/your-cabling-and-bracing-questions-answered/
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2585
Hope this helps!
