Valuable mature trees with structural weaknesses can often be preserved using professional cabling and bracing systems that provide support and reduce failure risk. Our tree cabling and bracing service installs flexible steel cables and rigid braces that limit movement of weak branch unions, co-dominant stems, or split trunks, extending the life of trees that might otherwise need removal due to structural concerns. Many Carol Stream properties have mature oaks, maples, and other specimen trees with co-dominant stems that lack the strong attachment needed to support heavy branches during storms. These structural defects develop as trees grow and may not cause immediate problems, but they create significant failure risk during high winds, ice loading, or as trees age and wood strength declines.
Rather than removing otherwise healthy trees with structural issues, cabling provides supplemental support that reduces stress on weak unions and prevents catastrophic failure. Our ISA-certified arborists assess trees to determine if cabling is appropriate and effective for specific situations. Not every weak tree benefits from cables - severely decayed trees, trees with extensive structural problems, or trees in locations where failure would cause unacceptable damage may still need removal despite support systems. When cabling is appropriate, we install systems following industry standards, using proper hardware, cable sizing, and installation points that provide support without damaging trees.
Cables are dynamic systems that flex with tree movement rather than rigid restraints that prevent all motion, allowing normal growth while limiting excessive movement that could cause failure. We also perform brace rod installation for splits or cracks that need rigid support to prevent separation, drilling through stems and installing threaded rods that hold sections together.

Our ISA-certified arborists evaluate trees for structural weaknesses including co-dominant stems, weak branch unions, cracks, and splits that create failure risk. We assess whether cabling will effectively reduce risk or if the tree's condition makes removal the safer choice. This professional evaluation ensures support systems are installed only when they'll provide meaningful benefit, not as a band-aid for trees that truly need removal due to extensive structural problems.
We install cabling systems following ANSI standards using proper hardware, cable sizing, and installation techniques that provide support without causing tree damage. Cables are positioned to limit movement of weak unions while allowing natural flex that permits continued growth. Installation points are carefully selected based on tree architecture and load distribution, ensuring cables function effectively to reduce stress on weak areas during storms and high winds.
Cable systems require periodic inspection to verify hardware condition, cable tension, and tree response to the support system. We provide inspection services to check installed cables, adjust tension if needed, and assess whether additional support or modifications are necessary as trees grow. This ongoing maintenance ensures cabling systems continue protecting trees effectively over their extended lifespan, catching problems before cables fail or trees outgrow their support systems.

Expert Tree Care for Illinois Properties
We've proudly served Carol Stream and surrounding DuPage County communities for over a decade, providing comprehensive tree care services including emergency removal, routine maintenance, disease management, and expert arborist consultations. Our service area includes Bloomingdale, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Addison, and surrounding communities, with licensed crews ready to respond throughout the region for both scheduled work and emergency situations requiring immediate attention.
Proudly serving Bloomingdale, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn,Glendale Heights and Addison for 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tree Service can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
We typically schedule free on-site estimates within 1-3 business days of your call, depending on current workload and weather conditions. During our visit, we assess your trees, discuss your goals and concerns, and provide detailed pricing for recommended services. For emergency situations requiring immediate tree removal, we can often provide verbal estimates and begin work the same day if necessary to address safety hazards.
Yes, we maintain all required licenses for tree service operations in Illinois along with comprehensive general liability and workers compensation insurance protecting both our employees and your property. We carry $2 million in liability coverage and provide certificates of insurance upon request. This protection is crucial for tree work, as accidents can cause significant property damage or injury if uninsured contractors make mistakes.
We provide 24/7 emergency tree removal service throughout Carol Stream and DuPage County for storm damage, fallen trees, or hazardous situations requiring immediate response. Call our emergency line any time day or night, and we'll dispatch crews to address dangerous tree problems that can't wait for business hours. Our rapid response prevents additional property damage and eliminates safety hazards quickly during stressful emergency situations.
We assist with Carol Stream village permit applications when required for tree removal or land clearing projects. We're familiar with local tree preservation ordinances, know when permits are needed, and help complete paperwork correctly to avoid delays. While you're ultimately responsible for obtaining permits as the property owner, we guide you through the process and provide documentation the village needs to evaluate your application.
Tree removal costs vary significantly based on size, location, complexity, and access difficulty. Small trees under 30 feet typically cost $400-800, medium trees 30-60 feet range $800-1,500, and large trees over 60 feet can cost $1,500-$3,000 or more depending on challenges involved. We provide free on-site estimates with detailed pricing so you know exactly what to expect before work begins, with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Project duration varies by service type and scope. Simple tree removals or pruning of single trees typically take half a day, while large tree removals or multi-tree projects may require a full day or multiple days to complete safely. Stump grinding usually takes 30-90 minutes per stump. Land clearing projects vary widely from single-day jobs to week-long projects depending on acreage and vegetation density. We provide time estimates during your free consultation.
Trees with co-dominant stems, weak branch unions, visible cracks, or structural defects that create failure risk may benefit from cabling or bracing. Our arborist consultation service includes structural assessment to determine if support systems will effectively reduce risk or if the tree's condition makes removal the safer choice. Visible signs like bark inclusions between stems, cracks in branch unions, or splits in the trunk warrant professional evaluation.
Properly installed cable systems typically last 10-15 years or more with appropriate inspection and maintenance. Steel cables are durable and weather-resistant, but hardware should be checked periodically to ensure bolts remain tight and cables maintain proper tension. As trees grow, cables may need adjustment or repositioning, and eventually may need replacement as original installation points are no longer optimal for changed tree architecture.
When installed correctly by certified arborists, cabling systems do not damage healthy tree tissue. Cables are attached through eye bolts installed into solid wood above weak unions, and installation follows techniques that minimize wounding while providing secure attachment points. The support provided by cables typically benefits tree health by reducing stress on weak areas and preventing catastrophic failure that would cause far more damage than the small wounds from hardware installation.
Not every structurally weak tree is a good candidate for cabling. Trees with extensive decay, multiple severe structural problems, or in locations where failure would cause unacceptable damage may still need removal despite support systems. Our arborists assess whether cabling will provide meaningful risk reduction or if the tree's overall condition makes removal the more appropriate choice. Cabling works best for otherwise healthy trees with specific structural defects that can be effectively supported.
Protect Your Valuable Trees
From emergency tree removal to expert arborist consultations, we provide comprehensive tree care services across Carol Stream and DuPage County. Our certified arborists understand Illinois tree species, local ordinances, and the unique challenges facing suburban Chicago properties.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Tree Service needs.

They responded within an hour when a huge oak fell across our driveway during a storm. The crew worked safely and efficiently to remove it completely, including grinding the stump. Very professional service during a stressful situation.
Michael R., Carol Stream

Our arborist consultation was incredibly valuable. They identified oak wilt in early stages and explained treatment options clearly. Their honest assessment saved us from losing more trees to the disease spreading through our property.
Jennifer K., Glendale Heights

Best tree service we've used in Carol Stream. They pruned our mature maples at the right time of year, cleaned up thoroughly, and explained what they were doing and why. You can tell they actually know tree biology, not just cutting.
David and Susan T., Wheaton
Ready to hear more about expert serivces at Carol Stream Tree Care?
Contact us today to receive a detailed, no-obligation quote.