Bracing and Repairing Trees 167 



expansion should be provided. Fixing the bands and 

 connecting-rods is readily accomplished either by the use 

 of ladders or by climbing the trunk and slinging the portions 

 into position by means of ropes. The exigencies of each 

 case will point out the best means of carrying out the work, 

 as also the height at which the supports can most effectively 

 be placed. When damaged or diseased branches are being 

 dealt with, great care is necessary to ensure that the bands 

 are placed in such positions that the greatest leverage 

 against wind is afforded, and so as to minimize the risk of 

 the branch being broken across at the weakened point 

 during stormy weather. 



Frequently, where the main trunk divides into two or 

 more portions near ground level, it will be found that a 

 split or crack has been caused by the swaying of the divided 

 stems. In such cases the split between the stems should 

 be carefully cleaned out, treated with an antiseptic and 

 filled with asphalt. The limbs should then be braced 

 together by means of a band and connecting-rod, and, as the 

 asphalt becomes set, the brace may be tightened up as may 

 be found necessary. 



Rarely is it found necessary to place a band around the 

 stem of a tree to prevent splitting. Where, however, 

 appearances point to the likelihood of this taking place, 

 as in the case of forked trees, especially when the stem 

 divides abruptly into two or three heavy limbs, it is a wise 

 precaution to encircle the bole with a wide band of iron. 

 This band should be placed at such a height that the greatest 

 possible resistance to splitting of the stem is afforded. 

 Such bands are usually proportionate to the strain of the 

 stem to which they are to act as support. A band of 

 leather or rubber between the iron and bark of the tree to 

 allow for expansion of the stem is necessary. 



Supporting tree branches by chains is not to be recom- 

 mended, for the simple reason that, however carefully they 

 may be adjusted, friction and chafing of the bark and wood 

 is sooner or later bound to ensue. Connecting the flat iron 

 bands, already referred to, by means of chains or strand 

 wire, iSj however, not so open to objection nor attended 



