Landscaping License Practice Test

Where should guy wires be attached for proper support?

1. To trees above 10ft

2. To trees below 10ft

3. To the ground

4. To other trees

The correct answer is: To trees below 10ft

Guy wires provide support to young or newly planted trees, particularly those that are prone to leaning or are not well established yet. For proper support, it is essential to attach guy wires to trees that are below 10 feet in height because they typically require more stability at this stage of growth. Attaching guy wires to smaller trees aids in preventing them from bending over due to wind or other environmental factors. If the wires are attached to taller trees, they may not provide the necessary support, as taller trees can flex significantly in the wind, which does not help stabilize the shorter, younger trees. Similarly, attaching them to the ground can provide stability; however, it does not account for the balance that is needed when a tree is still developing. Using other trees for support can lead to complications such as anchor competition and may hinder the growth of the young tree. Thus, the best practice involves securing guy wires to trees that are under 10 feet in height to ensure they receive adequate support as they establish themselves.