Guying Trees Colorado State University Extension Tri River Area Mesa Delta Montrose and Ouray Counties

GUYING TREES

Narrative and Photographs by
Curtis E. Swift, Ph.D.
Colorado State University Extension
Tri River Area

Improper guying techniques can severely damage trees

A hose and wire guying system on maple Damage caused by a hose and wire guying system

The photos above explain the reason for avoiding the hose and wire to guy trees.

The use of rope or wire also can serious damage trees.

The proper way to guy trees

Use wide straps to avoid trunk damage

Use wide straps to avoid trunk damage.
Install the guys as close to the ground as possible. The purpose of guying a tree is to hold the root ball in the ground until it has rooted sufficiently to hold itself in place.
The tree should be guyed in such a manner that the trunk has several inches of freedom of movement. Trunk movement increases root development. Trees that need to be held up with guys are poor quality trees and should not have been purchased in the first place

Harris, R.W. 1992. Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Vines; Second Edition. Regents/Prentice Hall.

Placed on the Internet May 6, 1996

Comments should be addressed to
Dr. Curtis E. Swift, Area Extension Agent, Horticulture
Colorado State University Extension
2775 US Hwy 50, Grand Junction, CO. 81503
voice: 970-244-1840
fax: 970-244-1700