CATS Cabling, Bracing, and Support 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dynamic (flexible) cabling system differs from a static system primarily in that it:
- Uses larger diameter hardware for greater strength
- Allows limited movement to encourage trunk taper and strength (Correct answer)
- Requires installation at a lower position in the crown
- Is only suitable for newly planted trees
Correct answer: Allows limited movement to encourage trunk taper and strength
Dynamic systems use flexible materials that permit some branch movement, stimulating natural wood strengthening through stress response while still limiting extreme deflection.
Question 2: Which ANSI standard governs cabling, bracing, and support systems for trees?
- ANSI Z133
- ANSI A300 Part 3 (Correct answer)
- ANSI A300 Part 1
- ANSI Z60.1
Correct answer: ANSI A300 Part 3
ANSI A300 Part 3 specifically covers supplemental support systems including cabling, bracing, guying, and propping.
Question 3: When a tree is guyed to the ground after transplanting, the guy wires should be removed:
- Immediately after the first growing season
- Only when the tree begins producing fruit
- Once the tree has established sufficient root anchorage, typically one to three growing seasons (Correct answer)
- Never, as guys should remain permanent
Correct answer: Once the tree has established sufficient root anchorage, typically one to three growing seasons
Guys should be removed once the tree has enough root anchorage to stand independently, typically after one to three growing seasons, to prevent girdling and allow normal taper development.
Question 4: The 'target analysis' in cabling and bracing assessments refers to:
- Calculating the wind load on the canopy
- Identifying what or who could be harmed if the tree fails (Correct answer)
- Determining the diameter of the required cable
- Measuring the distance between crotch and branch tips
Correct answer: Identifying what or who could be harmed if the tree fails
Target analysis identifies the people, structures, or values at risk below a tree, which is essential for prioritizing supplemental support decisions.
Question 5: What type of hardware allows post-installation tensioning of a static cable?
- Thimble
- Swage sleeve
- Turnbuckle (Correct answer)
- Eye bolt
Correct answer: Turnbuckle
Turnbuckles are threaded devices inserted in the cable that can be rotated to increase or decrease cable tension after installation.
Question 6: What is a key disadvantage of installing a brace rod too close to an existing crack?
- It reduces aesthetic value of the tree
- It may split the wood further if placed at the crack's edge (Correct answer)
- It prevents the wound from compartmentalizing
- It interferes with sap flow in the phloem
Correct answer: It may split the wood further if placed at the crack's edge
Placing a rod too close to a crack can act as a wedge, extending the fracture rather than stabilizing it when the rod is tightened.
Question 7: Which factor most influences the diameter of cable selected for a cabling system?
- The height of the installation point above ground
- The diameter and weight of the limbs being supported (Correct answer)
- The species and bark thickness of the tree
- The geographic region and prevailing wind direction
Correct answer: The diameter and weight of the limbs being supported
Cable diameter is primarily determined by the mass and leverage of the limbs it must support, ensuring the cable's rated load exceeds the expected forces.
CATS Cabling, Bracing, and Support 3
A dynamic (flexible) cabling system differs from a static system primarily in that it: