Look up at the trees in your yard and find where the trunk splits into two main stems. If that split forms a wide U, it's usually a strong attachment. If it forms a tight V with a seam of bark pinched down into the crotch, that's worth a closer look.
That pinched seam is called included bark. As the two stems grow, bark gets trapped between them instead of the wood fusing together, so the union is held mostly by its outer edges. It can look solid for years, then split apart under a heavy wind gust or ice load, often taking a whole side of the tree with it. Bradford pears are well known for it, but we see it in maples, oaks, and elms across North Metro Atlanta too.
Warning signs include a crack running down from the union, dark staining or ooze at the seam, and one stem leaning away from the other. Depending on the tree, our certified arborists may recommend reducing weight on one stem, removing one side while the tree is young, or in some cases removal. Catching it early usually means a simpler, more affordable fix.
Is there a tree in your yard with a tight V where the trunk splits, and have you ever noticed a crack in it?
#TreeCare #TreeSafety
Authentic close-up of a tight V-shaped union with visible included bark on a North Atlanta tree, ideally next to a wide U-shaped union for comparison. Real photos strongly preferred over stock.
Canva text suggestion: "A Tight V in Your Tree Can Be a Weak Spot" or "U-Shaped Union Strong, V-Shaped Union Risky"