An old cable is cinched around a cedar tree
on property which I have purchased. The tree
is about 2ft wide.

The tree has grown around the cable, and I
don't think I can remove it but I could cut it
with a face grinder.

What is the outlook for the tree? Is it liable
to die anyway?

Reply to post by Robert Holt, on June 05, 2000 at 14:03:25:

Robert,

There are a couple of things to consider: Was a cable justified in the first place? If so, you should have a professional install a new cable properly before cutting the overgrown cable. If the tree has fully grown over the cable and is showing no ill effects, the tree has found a means of copeing with the cable and conducting fluid past the constriction. That doesn't mean that the cable is of no consequence, just that the tree has worked around it so to speak.

There are issues related to structure that may be significant. If you imagin the cable as a perforated dotted line, you can see how the physical constriction can lead to a leader breaking out in heavy weather, or to match the analagy, it may break along the dotted line. This is the reason to have a professional in arboriculture determine if a new properly installed cable is justified before doing anything else.

Do not try to remove the cable from under where its grown in. The damage caused will most likely be greater then leaving the cable alone.

Wayne

Reply to post by Wayne, on June 05, 2000 at 14:03:25:

If the cable is a leftover from a guywire or some kind of fencing that used the tree as a living post then it serves the tree no good. I'd cut the cable where its exposed enough to do so without tearing into the tree itself. You'll end-up with imbedded cable but if its broken in a few places it should minmize girdling effects.

Reply to post by Lee, on June 07, 2000 at 07:55:57:

Speaking of cables choking cedars.... have any of you ever seen the famous Carmel, CA cypress up close?

It is amazing to me that a tree so revered by the locals as to actually be a registered trade mark for the town has been so badly treated over the years.

I saw it a few years ago, and it had MULTIPLE cables imbedded in it. Anyone have any details on its care (or lack thereof)?