Red oak multiple leaders - Ask Extension
This red oak has multiple leaders and is developing a crack that an arborist wants to cable together. The tree is about 20 ft from my house. Should ...
Knowledgebase
Red oak multiple leaders #862615
Asked March 27, 2024, 9:43 AM EDT
This red oak has multiple leaders and is developing a crack that an arborist wants to cable together. The tree is about 20 ft from my house. Should I cable it and try to manage with selective pruning, or should I just remove the tree?
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
If the tree is otherwise healthy, cabling or bracing are good options. I don't see a problem with either option in your case, or a combination of the two. One or more bracing bolts run through the tree would be nearly invisible, while cabling will be a bit more noticeable, but could be done without drilling into the tree.
These publications are a bit dated, but will give you a good idea of what is involved:
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-550-W.pdf
https://utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2023/10/SP659.pdf
