I have a branch I want to pull back. I tried a zip tie for trees. I think it was not strong enough. It held for about and hour and un-zipped. Did not break. I could try it again but I am holding back a lot of force. I have a part of the tree that is about the dia. of your upper arm. I was pulling back a branch about the size of your wrist. I used a 2x4 and pushed it up and back on the deck to force it where I wanted. I used this tree zip and it did not hold the first time. What could I use instead? I thought of a chain, but what type or size? I would cover it with tire tube to protect the branches. Do you have any other idea's? I want to move the branch away from my awning so it can still shade but not hurt the awning.

Slow and easy wins the battle. I had a twisty willow that was really leaning into my yard trying to get to more sun. I gradually tied it back using bailing twine over rubber, and increased the torque several times. This tree eventually grew taller than the shrub that was robbing its sun and has now straightened out nicely.

Probably look Tacky and an eyesore, but what about a ratchet strap? Like you would use to tie down a load in a truck ?

You might meet with less resistance if you moved the branch a little at a time over several days until it reached its destination. In which case the zip tie might be sufficient

Deb and I think alike.

Same with a ratchet strap. Give it a tighten every few days to a week.

That is a good idea about propping it up. I will just wait to put the awning up.
I have motorcycle tie downs but they are red. So I will put the 2x4 back and let it sit for a few days. Maybe it will relax where it is pushed too.
May look odd strapped up but to me it is better then cutting the whole branch. Besides I live in the mountain forest so no one to care what it looks like. If the zip tie doesn't work I guess I will get a chain and bolt it.
I love it's Fall color. It is a non fruit pistachio.

Or try using two zip ties side by side? Or three? Just be sure to zip them evenly so that they are all taking some of the strain.

Could you add some photos of the tree?

Here in Savannah, Georgia we have lots of old trees that often require support. The Tree Department uses a system of metal cables (stranded or braided wire) and turnbuckles.

On this site there is information about something called "cobra cabling' that might work for you. The Zip ties you used may cut into the bark and harm your tree. I have seen homeowners use metal cables but they added a piece of old garden hose to protect the tree bark.

http://zimmermantreeservice.co...

Hope this helps.

greene interesting