Use of a cableway with a tree anchor that would be classified as very poor, poor or hazardous is prohibited.
The six photographs show conifer trees in various conditions. If any cableways are anchored to a tree that is in a less-than-good category (based on photos), it should be considered hazardous. Any classed as very poor are an immediate hazard. Others should be inspected by a forester.
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If the cable is anchored to an oak tree, this may be hazardous. Oaks are highly susceptible to heart rot, with poor indicators for identification. Oaks, especially large, old ones, may suffer catastrophic failure at anytime. If the cable installation has damaged the trunk, disease has probably entered the wound(s). If any doubt, tree should be inspected by professional.
In all cases, Digger pine (also called "Gray Pine" or "Bull Pine") - Pinus sabiniana should not be used.
Figures 2 and 3 show the various fruiting bodies of several serious fungal diseases that attack trees in California and the Pacific Northwest. A thorough visual inspection of all trees used as anchors, using binoculars, is recommended. Also look carefully at the ground around the tree for "mushrooms" of the type shown. If you have any tree anchors that appear to have any of the conditions shown in figure 2 or 3, THE CABLEWAY SHOULD NOT BE USED. An inspection by a knowledgeable person is required before allowing further use. Replacement of the anchor blocks is highly recommended for any suspicious tree anchor.
Quinine Fungus Fomes officinalis; enters through wounds, fire scars, broken tops. Often only one fruiting body occurs. Affects main trunk, making tree susceptible to breakage. |
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Laminated root rot: affects fir and cedar. Attacks roots, leaving them structurally weak, susceptible to windthrow. |
Velvet top fungus: may appear in or on the soil near a tree, or on the lower 10 feet of trunk. It has a velvety appearance and feel, dark brown. Mortality nears 100% from this fungus. Trees very susceptible to windthrow. |
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Armillaria root disease: attacks conifers and oaks, common in Northern California. It attacks roots, leaving tree structurally weakened, very susceptible to windthrow. The mushroom like fruiting bodies develop around the base of infected trees. |
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Pocket dry rot: affects mostly cedar, especially large, older trees. Results in extensive heart rot. Severely weakens the structural integrity of a tree, susceptible to breakage. Usually few or one fruiting body. |
Mistltoe (phoradendron): heavy infestations seriously weaken a tree, making it susceptible to attack by other organisms. |
If you identify an anchor tree, or a tree that could fall on the cable as being suspicious, I am willing to visit the site and thoroughly inspect the questionable trees (I have a degree in forestry, and have been a certified timber cruiser).