ISA Certified Arborist Practice Exam

What is the purpose of tree cabling?

1. To provide shade in urban areas

2. To promote faster growth in branches

3. To provide support to weak branches or stems to prevent failure

4. To enhance fruit production

The correct answer is: To provide support to weak branches or stems to prevent failure

The purpose of tree cabling is to provide support to weak branches or stems to prevent failure. This practice involves installing cables to strengthen compromised parts of a tree, which can help prevent breakage during high winds or heavy fruit loads. Cabling stabilizes the structure of the tree, allowing it to maintain its integrity while still growing. This is particularly important for trees that have multiple dominant leaders or branches that are at risk of splitting due to their weight. The other purposes listed—providing shade, promoting faster growth, and enhancing fruit production—do not specifically relate to the structural support that cabling provides. While trees do indeed provide shade and can produce fruit, cabling is a mechanical intervention aimed at mitigating risk in tree structure rather than enhancing these features. Therefore, the correct choice centers on its role in preventing structural failure and ensuring the longevity and safety of the tree.