Codominant trees sport a unique structure that often enchants onlookers. You can easily find a secure spot to sit or climb because of the V- or Y-shaped trunk. That said, these attractive tree branching patterns also create dangerous structural insecurities.
Eagerton Tree Service, a reputable tree service company in Atlantic Beach, Florida, explores why you should consider removing or reinforcing your codominant tree.
What Are Examples of Codominant Trees?
Trees are living art forms. They don’t always play by the rules as they grow. A codominant specimen has a V-shaped tree union where two trunks meet at the base.
Sometimes, a larger trunk unifies them into a Y-shape. Other times, the base is too short to create a discernible Y. You might notice your tree sports more of a U shape, which may stabilize the specimen more than other codominant growth patterns.
What Should You Know About the Codominant Tree in Your Yard?
Codominant specimens sometimes have poor tree structural integrity. A casual observer might not notice these issues since the tree looks solid and secure enough.
An experienced arborist can determine whether the tree poses a potential threat to your safety, needs reinforcements, or will remain relatively safe in the coming years.
The Tree Can Split Without Warning
A bifurcated trunk typically consists of one larger and one smaller branch. They might look the same at first glance. However, you will find out which one is stronger following a devastating storm.
Your codominant tree is especially susceptible to powerful winds. The smaller trunk can gradually become detached from its bigger counterpart. Eventually, it might fall in a direction that devastates your property.
The Smaller Trunk Might Crack and Develop Wounds
If the codominant stem formation gradually weakens, it can leave an open wound that it constantly attempts to heal. This diverts essential nutrients and hydration to the wound, further weakening the specimen. Eventually, the already weakened tree might succumb to fungal or bacterial infections.
Pests also target it as a new host for food and shelter. These opportunistic critters spread to other trees within the vicinity.
Both Trunks Could Become Infused
Some codominant trees undergo bark inclusion where the two trunks become tightly fused with each other. Bark inclusion also harms:
- Tree canopy development: When two close trunks compete for resources like sunlight, they develop awkward canopies with one-sided weight dispersion.
- Immunity from infections: The tight space between each trunk collects water and debris — a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal growth.
- Bark function: Tree bark functions much like your skin. It should shield the tree from external elements. Bark inclusion can cause the bark to lift and crack from pressure, resulting in small wounds that can snowball into big problems.
Fortunately, arborists can correct structural issues in many codominant trees. They use reinforcements for some specimens and pruning for others.
Book a Tree Inspection With Eagerton Tree Service in Atlantic Beach, Florida
Are you having second thoughts about the codominant tree growing in your yard? Let Eagerton Tree Service have a look. Contact us for free service estimates in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Learn more now.
