Most homeowners know to watch for dead branches or a leaning tree. But one of the most common structural failure points in North Atlanta hardwoods is something far less obvious: included bark at a co-dominant stem union.
Here's what that means. When a tree develops two equally dominant leaders, both growing upward at similar angles, the bark between them gets compressed and trapped as the stems grow. Instead of forming strong wood-to-wood contact at the union, the stems essentially grow around the bark. The result is a structurally weak attachment point that can fail suddenly under wind load, ice, or even just the weight of wet leaves after a heavy rain. The outside of the tree can look perfectly healthy. You'd never know it was there without getting up close and knowing what to look for.
V-shaped branch unions are the visual clue. If the split between two major stems forms a tight V rather than a more open U-shape, that's a sign bark may be included between them. Our certified arborists assess these unions regularly on oaks, maples, Bradford pears, and other hardwoods common to Gwinnett, Walton, and North Fulton County yards. Depending on the tree's age and the severity of the defect, options range from structural cabling to targeted removal of one co-dominant stem before a failure forces the issue.
Have you ever noticed a tight V-split on a large tree in your yard? Did a tree professional ever flag it for you, or has it just been on your radar as something to keep an eye on?
Visit atltreework.com or call (470) 357-3741 to schedule an arborist assessment. #TreeSafety #CertifiedArborist #ATLTreeWorkAn authentic close-up photo showing a co-dominant stem union with visible included bark — the tight V-shape between two large stems. If a photo like this is available from past jobs, it's perfect. Alternatively, a wide shot of a large hardwood being assessed by a crew member. Real job photos always outperform stock images.
Canva text suggestion: "That V-Shaped Split Could Be a Structural Hazard" or "Included Bark: The Tree Defect Most Homeowners Miss"