CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Cabling, Bracing, and Support Questions and Answers

Question 1

An arborist is installing a static support cable between two large codominant stems. According to ANSI A300 (Part 3) standards, what is the generally accepted placement height for the cable?

Accepted Answer

At least two-thirds of the distance from the weak union to the tops of the stems being supported.

Answer

Exactly halfway between the ground and the weak union.

Answer

One-quarter of the distance from the weak union to the tops of the stems.

Answer

As low as possible in the union to maximize pulling force.

Question 2

Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose for installing a threaded steel brace rod through a split tree trunk?

Accepted Answer

To provide rigid support to limit further twisting or spreading of the split.

Answer

To pull the two sides of the split tightly back together.

Answer

To act as a conduit for systemic fungicides to reach the damaged area.

Answer

To encourage the development of stronger reaction wood within the split.

Question 3

A client requests a support system that allows for natural tree movement to encourage reaction wood development, while still providing support during high-wind events. Which type of system best fits this description?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic system using synthetic fiber rope.

Answer

A static system using Extra High-Strength steel cable.

Answer

A rigid system using multiple threaded steel rods.

Answer

A propping system with a solid, unmoving post.

Question 4

When attaching a support cable to a limb that is greater than 10 inches in diameter, which of the following anchor hardware is generally required by industry best practices to ensure a secure attachment?

Accepted Answer

A through-bolt with a washer and nut.

Answer

A drop-forged J-lag screw.

Answer

A heavy-duty eye screw.

Answer

A wire-stop termination wrapped around the limb.

Question 5

During a routine inspection of a mature tree with an older cabling system, which of the following findings would require the MOST immediate corrective action?

Accepted Answer

A thimble is missing from the eye splice, causing the cable to bend sharply over the anchor.

Answer

The cable has a slight, graceful sag between the two anchor points.

Answer

The tree has grown approximately one inch of wood over the edges of the anchor washer.

Answer

The cable shows minor surface rust but no broken strands.

Question 6

An arborist determines that a tree with codominant stems requires both cabling in the upper crown and bracing through the weak union. According to best management practices, what is the proper sequence for this installation?

Accepted Answer

Prune to reduce end-weight, install the cable, then install the brace rod.

Answer

Install the brace rod first, then install the cable.

Answer

The order of installation does not matter.

Answer

Install both the cable and brace rod simultaneously.

An arborist is installing a static support cable between two large codominant stems.According to ANSI A300 (Part 3) standards, what is the generally accepted placement height for the cable?

An arborist is installing a static support cable between two large codominant stems.
According to ANSI A300 (Part 3) standards, what is the generally accepted placement height for the cable?