When you look at the trees in your yard or commercial property, what would you say is the most dominant, tried and true feature they all share? If you said the tree trunk, you are correct. Regardless of tree species (oak, pecan, pines, sycamores, etc.), they have a single trunk that grows straight and strong, providing stability and support for all the branches above. However, not all trees follow this growth pattern. Some develop what arborists call co-dominant growth, with two or more main trunks emerging from a single point.
We’ve had the privilege of seeing many a co-dominant tree during our time in the tree service industry. And more often than not, they are absolutely stunning and live long, healthy lives. That said, their unique structure can occasionally pose challenges—the most significant being that the tree is inherently less stable because it relies on one or more trunks rather than one.
“No problem,” you might be thinking. “If one of those trunks becomes a problem, just remove it altogether.”
We don’t blame you for thinking that. After all, it sounds like the quickest path to protecting your tree’s health and longevity. But the reality is that removing a trunk all at once can create even bigger problems. Let’s discuss why in today’s blog post.
More About Co-Dominant Trees
As previously stated, co-dominant trees don’t have the traditional one dominant trunk that most of us are used to. Instead, they have two or more main trunks of similar size that grow from the same point. Co-dominant trees are everywhere. A few of the more common species prone to co-dominant structures in Texas include:
- Oak trees (especially Spanish Oaks)
- Pecans
- Some Dogwoods and Maples
At first glance, co-dominant tree growth seems harmless to the tree itself. For instance, the trunk splits into two stems (forming a V-shape) that spread out to support the canopy above and create the perfect natural ladder for kids to climb and play.
However, co-dominant trunks create inherent structural weaknesses. Think about it: the trunks share the same base, meaning the junctions where they meet are often narrower and less secure than a single, solid trunk. Over time, this can make the tree more susceptible to splitting, especially during storms, heavy snow, or high winds. In addition, bark can sometimes become trapped between the trunks—a condition known as included bark—which prevents the wood from fusing properly and further weakens the attachment.
Are you concerned about the health of your trees? Call Clean Edge Tree Services in Denton. Our tree specialists are trained to handle all tree service needs, including tree removal. Call us at 940-783-7023 or complete our online form.
The Last Thing You Want To Do Is Remove an Entire Limb
A client of ours has a Spanish Oak tree with tri-codominant growth. You read that right—three trunks emerging from the same base. The problem is that one of the stems wraps around the main trunk in a spiraling formation. At first glance, it’s strikingly beautiful. But to a trained eye, the wrapped trunk introduces twisting stress on the tree, which can affect its overall stability.
This causes uneven weight and force distribution among the branches, increasing the risk of splitting or structural failure over time.
The last thing we want to do as tree service professionals in this situation is to jump the gun and remove the entire twisted trunk. Why? Doing so could instantly create canopy imbalance. On top of that, removing that large a limb will likely be too much of a shock to the tree. Remember, trees need to be pruned over time. Too much all at once can overwhelm them and impact their natural defenses.
A tree’s natural defense is known as CODIT. As we stated in a previous blog, CODIT is a simple model system originally designed to help forest managers understand the patterns of discoloration and decay in living trees. But for the tree, it’s so much more than that. Rather than heal wounds like animals or even humans do, trees form physical and chemical barriers called “walls” to isolate and contain injuries or decay. Essentially, the “walls” surround it like a protective shell.
In so doing, the damaged area is essentially protected, thus preventing it from spreading to healthy wood.
Understanding CODIT makes it clear why removing a major trunk in one cut can be so dangerous. When a tree experiences a large wound all at once, its natural defense system is suddenly tasked with sealing off a much bigger area than it’s designed to handle. This can slow healing, leave the tree vulnerable to decay and pests, and further compromise its structural stability.
Instead of removing the entire twisted trunk at once, we recommend:
- Gradually reducing its size over multiple cuts
- Lower leverage and torsion
- Allow reaction wood to form
- Gradually re-establish a dominant trunk leader
If you follow these simple steps, you and your chosen tree service professionals will reduce long-term harm to your trees and limit the risk of creating even more structural instability.
Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Denton Today!!
When you search “tree service near me” or “tree service Denton” for your residential and commercial tree service needs, Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal in Denton, TX, should be your first call every time. We are family-owned and operated, and our arborists have proudly served Denton and the surrounding areas for many years. We have the equipment, experience, and technical know-how to safely and efficiently handle any tree scenario—from a downed tree in the middle of a storm to trimming a few branches, stump grinding, and removing trees that tower 83 feet in the air.
More importantly, we are licensed and insured. We pride ourselves on completing every job safely, efficiently, and with the cleanest edge you’ve ever seen. That said, tree work is a dangerous profession. Accidents can happen to the best of us, and without warning. If and when it does, you want the peace of mind knowing you won’t be left picking up the pieces.
We know you have options when it comes to your tree service and removal needs. There isn’t a tree in Denton that we can’t handle.
Call Clean Edge Tree Service & Removal today!