02/09/2026
Not every structural concern in a tree requires removal. At the Heights of Abraham, the team recently installed a Cobra cable bracing system as an alternative to felling, retaining a tree that, with the right intervention, can remain standing safely.
Cable bracing involves the use of a flexible restraint system made of either synthetic fibre ropes or steel cables. The aim is to reduce dynamic loading on potentially weak structures by preventing excessive movement and thus reducing the probability of failure of one or more structurally weak elements. The operation is normally accompanied by pruning to reduce the loading on weak structures in the tree.
We prefer to use non-invasive systems like Cobra, as the tree is not damaged during installation and the synthetic fibre will generally allow more dynamic movement of the tree parts, which can stimulate supporting adaptive growth.