Handling a split tree limb: cable or cut it down?

I had a big oak with a limb starting to crack and pose a danger. Some arborists push for cabling to save the tree, but others think full removal is smarter, so I installed a cable after a close look. When do you go for cabling instead of taking the branch off?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_hayes1mo ago

Honestly, this is like every quick fix in life, it works until you need the real solution.

veraj531mo ago

Totally agree with mark_hayes, saw the same thing with my patio umbrella last summer.

nancythomas1mo ago

You did the right thing with that close look before cabling. Saving a major limb with cable can be worth it if the tree is healthy and the split isn't too far gone. Just keep an eye on it, because sometimes the damage is worse than it looks and removal becomes the only safe call later.