Today’s project was the installation of a supplemental support system on a live oak in Olde Towne Daphne, Alabama. The tree has a common structural defect known as co-dominance with bark inclusion, which can increase the risk of a weak union.
The support system includes a Cobra 4T synthetic dynamic cable installed high in the canopy along with five 7/8-inch-diameter brace rods. Because the property is near Mobile Bay and the home is intended to remain in the family for generations, the client chose 316 stainless steel for the threaded rods, nuts, and washers because of its increased resistance to rust and corrosion.
To reach the upper unions, we had to erect scaffolding to its maximum allowable height—a 18-foot platform with a 24-foot work height, thanks in part to Nick’s impressive height!
A huge thank-you to Cheyenne, Dillan, and Nick for sticking it out and working late in the rain to get the entire project completed in one day. Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe would be proud!
The reduction pruning was completed approximately one week before the supplemental support installation.