Best Management Practices: Tree Support Systems

The ISA Best Management Practices guide to tree support systems explains how to plan, install and inspect cabling, bracing, guying and propping. It interprets the ANSI A300 support standard for working arborists.

What the book covers

Cabling and bracing can extend the safe life of a tree, but only when the system is chosen and installed correctly. This BMP walks through assessing whether a tree is a good candidate, choosing between dynamic and static cables, setting through-rods for bracing, and when guying or propping is the better answer.

It is written to help arborists apply the ANSI A300 standard for support systems, with practical guidance on hardware placement, installation height and follow-up inspection.

Support systems are long-term commitments: once installed they need regular inspection and adjustment as the tree grows. The BMP helps arborists explain that to clients and set realistic inspection schedules. It also helps you decide when a tree is better reduced or removed than supported. Keep a copy with your other ISA references.

Who it is for

Climbers moving into plant health care and support work, crew leaders who write work orders, and anyone studying for ISA certification will get the most out of it. It is also a useful reference to show customers why a system is installed a certain way.

A book is not a substitute for hands-on training. Learn installation under an experienced arborist. Browse more books and training materials.

The guide is short enough to read in an evening and organized so you can find a topic quickly on site.