Ace the Certified Arborist Test 2025 – Branch Out and Leaf Your Mark!

Cabling is a technique commonly used in arboriculture to provide additional support to trees that may be structurally compromised. Among the defects listed, cabling is particularly effective for addressing included bark, excessive branch weight, and codominant stems.

Included bark occurs when two branches or stems grow too closely together, creating a weak point in the tree because the bark does not fuse properly. This can lead to potential failure at the union if not addressed. Excessive branch weight adds more strain to weaker attachments, which can be especially critical during adverse weather conditions such as storms. Codominant stems, which are stems that originate from a single point and are of similar size, can also pose a risk because they lack the strong taper and structural integrity that a single leader typically provides. Cabling these structures can help redistribute the weight and reduce the likelihood of breakage.

In contrast, weak roots, leaf discoloration, and branch dieback are not effectively supported by cabling. Weak roots are typically indicative of more systemic issues that may require different treatments or interventions, such as soil management or root care. Leaf discoloration is often linked to environmental stressors or nutritional deficiencies, while branch dieback can stem from disease or pest issues; neither of these conditions would