A tree with two trunks growing from nearly the same point can hide a serious structural weakness called included bark. Riverbend Outdoor Services checks for this on nearly every property assessment we do in the Metro East area.
Included bark forms where two trunks or major limbs meet at a tight angle and bark gets trapped in the seam instead of forming solid connecting wood. It can look completely normal for years while the union underneath stays weaker than it should be, until wind or heavy snow load causes it to split.
The tighter the V-shaped angle between the trunks, the more concerning the union tends to be. A wider, U-shaped angle is generally more stable. It's a detail most homeowners in Moro, Godfrey, and Wood River wouldn't think to check on their own.
If you have a tree with a split or double trunk near the base, it's worth having a trained eye take a look.
#TreeHealth #CodominantTrunk #MetroEastIL #TreeSafety #WoodRiverIL
Photo of a real codominant trunk from a job site showing the narrow V-shaped union, ideally with a close-up of the bark seam for detail.
Canva text suggestion: "Two Trunks, One Weak Point" or "Check This on Your Trees"