Whether it’s a prized tree you cherish or one protected by a Tree Preservation Order, removal isn’t your only option. At Moorland Tree Care, we offer specialist propping and bracing services to preserve valuable mature trees throughout Devon. When structural support becomes necessary, our expert team combines engineering principles with arboricultural expertise to extend tree life while maintaining both safety and aesthetic appeal. We often pair these techniques with canopy reduction and formation pruning to create a complete solution for at-risk trees—an integrated approach that significantly reduces the risk of failure while preserving trees that might otherwise be lost.
Tree propping involves creating supportive structures to hold up heavy lateral branches or compromised sections of a tree. We design custom support systems that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Propping is most commonly used for:
For trees with structural weaknesses, we use Cobra bracing (one of the leading tree bracing systems in the world) — a dynamic, flexible tree support system designed to work with your tree’s natural movement patterns.
Cobra bracing is particularly effective for trees with:
Unlike rigid steel bracing (which we don’t recommend or install), Cobra bracing:
Once installed, props and braces require minimal maintenance:
Based near Exeter, our qualified arborists provide professional tree props and bracing services throughout Devon, including but not limited to:
Exeter, Topsham, Alphington, St Thomas, Pinhoe, Heavitree, Countess Wear, Exminster, Kennford, Ide, Exwick
Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster, Budleigh Salterton, Newton Poppleford, Colyton, Whimple, West Hill, Broadclyst
Crediton, Tiverton, Cullompton, Bampton, Uffculme, Willand, Morchard Bishop, Bow, Halberton, Silverton
Newton Abbot, Totnes, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Ivybridge, Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, Stoke Gabriel, Dartmouth
Moretonhampstead, Chagford, Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Princetown, South Brent, Yelverton, Buckfastleigh, North Bovey, Lustleigh, Manaton, Postbridge, Dunsford, Ilsington, Mary Tavy, Horrabridge, Liverton, Bridestowe and more
Don’t wait until damage occurs. Whether you’re safeguarding a beloved heritage tree or seeking an alternative to removal under a TPO, our structural support solutions offer a safe, lasting way to retain your trees.
From carefully placed props for heavy limbs to flexible cable bracing that weathers Devon’s storms, our team delivers long-term protection with minimal visual impact. We also provide routine monitoring and maintenance to ensure continued performance as your tree grows and changes.
TPOs actually make our propping and bracing services more valuable, as they often provide the perfect alternative to removal applications that councils typically reject. We can handle the TPO application process for you.
We conduct thorough structural assessments looking for signs like co-dominant stems, included bark, heavy lateral branches, cracks in major limbs, or previous storm damage. Our arborists evaluate load distribution, wood condition, and growth patterns to determine if structural support would be beneficial. We’ll always explain our findings clearly and discuss whether intervention is necessary or simply precautionary.
We recommend at least an annual inspections for all braced trees. After major storms, we offer emergency inspections to check system integrity and tree condition.
We work year-round, though winter installations require different approaches due to Devon’s notorious rainfall and soft ground conditions. Winter work actually has advantages, we can assess storm damage immediately and trees are dormant, reducing installation stress.
We maintain emergency response capability within 1 hours for the Exeter area, extending to 2 for the wider Devon region during storm season (October through March). Devon’s position catches the worst Atlantic weather. After storms like those that regularly batter the coast and moorland, we prioritise safety-critical installations before aesthetic work.
Devon’s salt-laden air, particularly around coastal areas like Sidmouth and Salcombe, requires more regular inspections of all bracing hardware.
Tree propping involves installing supportive structures beneath heavy lateral branches or compromised sections, typically using custom-designed props that bear weight from below. Tree bracing uses flexible cable systems (like our Cobra bracing) to provide dynamic support between branches or stems, working with the tree’s natural movement rather than rigidly holding it in place.
Cobra bracing systems typically rated to last for 12 years with proper maintenance, while well-designed props can support trees for decades when using quality materials and regular inspections. The longevity depends on tree growth, weather exposure, and maintenance quality, which is why we schedule annual check-ups.
Our modern systems are specifically designed to avoid tree damage – Cobra bracing uses braided rope that moves with the tree rather than cutting into bark like old rigid cables. Props are positioned to distribute weight evenly without creating pressure points. Regular maintenance ensures the systems adjust as your tree grows, preventing any long-term damage.
Just tell us what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a free, no-obligation quote. Simple as that!
