Guying

Guying: A method of strengthening a weak tree

The purpose of guying is to strengthen a fragile or weakened tree. The operation consists of setting up devices to support the trunk or branches that are about to collapse. In the jargon, they are called “stays”.

For the record, this technique has seen many improvements since the first practices. Previously, the operation consisted of boring a tree before encircling its trunk in order to keep it stable.

Result: The tree was injured. His scars became a refuge for fungi, parasites or even pests. The plant then fell ill and felling remained the only solution.

Today, guying takes into account the well-being, health and development of a tree. The latter is treated with great care to specific techniques and materials.

The different situations requiring guying

Here are the most common cases where guying is needed:

• Tree Begins to Lean: One or more trees on a property are gradually leaning, due to the wind. This is a sign indicating the need for bracing to avoid an accident. The plant is in danger of collapsing on a house or passers-by.
• Avoid Felling: Guying can be an alternative to felling. Depending on the diagnosis, this operation can extend the life of a tree, before considering the ultimate option.
• The branches do not hold in place: they are scattered in all directions, various factors may be involved, including the wind. The rods can then be supported with cables.
• The tree becomes fragile: in this case, supporting its trunk and branches with guying becomes a necessity.
• Staking is insufficient: this technique is effective in strengthening a tree during its first years of growth. Later, this method will become insufficient. It will be necessary to install a more effective resistance device, in particular guy wires.

Guying techniques

The choice of guying technique to apply is based both on the objectives of the owner and the needs of the tree. In both cases, making a diagnosis makes it possible to identify the most suitable treatment.

The operation can therefore be carried out either at the level of the trunk or at the level of the branches. Depending on the problem, the arborist may recommend the following options:

• A support guy: the diagnosis revealed that the tree has a non-negligible probability of collapse. The arborist carries out the necessary work to stabilize the plant and prevent it from falling.
• Reinforcement guying: This technique is suitable for treating a less serious problem. For example in the case where branches are likely to reach a sensitive area such as the house.
• A preventive guying: the problem presents a low risk of an accident, but the owner chooses caution. The arborist then installs the guy wires to ensure the stability of the tree.

The stay

The guy wire is the main tool of the arborist to carry out the guying. Its installation will not harm the well-being of the tree. Indeed, this element does not hinder the circulation of sap, essential to provide the nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant.

There are two types, namely:

• The dynamic or flexible guy wire: it encircles the tree without having to pierce or damage it. It is still possible to adjust the tool without having a negative impact on the plant. The branches are not held still: they can sway.
• The static guy wire: the tree trunk and branches are tied in such a way that they cannot move. They are kept under tension using systems that will not harm the plant, such as a rope, a strap or a cable.

In any case, everything is done to ensure that the tree remains intact. The arborist can, in this context, use a protective sheath or a shock absorber.

Why call on Arboxygene for guying your trees?

Guying is a delicate mission to entrust to professionals. We put our skills and experience at your service. We can intervene in different situations relating to the treatment of trees. We take care of several useful operations such as pruning, pruning or felling. Contact us for a diagnosis.