Many varieties of trees have what are known as co-dominate stems. Cabling and bracing reduce the risk of major branch or tree failure. Most cable systems are for the most part invisible installed in the top of the tree.

Cable systems should be inspected annually and after each major storm. Bracing or screw rod installation is part of an overall cable system to supplement the aerial cables in situations where there is an extensive split in a main fork.

Below is certified arborist Pat Allen installing a cable in a large double leader red oak. He is about to hook up a small hand winch to take the slack out of the cable, prior to attaching the cable to the tree. He is approximately 70 feet in the air at point.