One of the most common structural problems in mature Maryland hardwoods is also one of the least visible until it becomes a serious hazard.
Co-dominant stems occur when two main trunks of roughly equal size grow upward from the same point, forming a tight V-shaped union. Inside that V, bark often gets compressed between the two stems rather than forming solid wood, a condition called included bark. That included bark wedges the two stems apart rather than holding them together, and the union can fail without warning, especially under the weight of summer foliage or the stress of a storm.
Maryland's oaks, maples, tulip poplars, and cherry trees are particularly prone to this structural pattern. It's something our arborists watch for in every assessment.
Do any of the larger trees on your property have a prominent V-shaped fork in the upper trunk? When did you last have them looked at? #FrederickMD #TreeSafety
Close-up of a co-dominant stem union with visible included bark, or a wide shot of a Maryland hardwood with a prominent V-fork in the trunk. Real job site photos from the Frederick area are strongly preferred.
Canva text suggestion: "Spot This Before a Storm Does" or "Included Bark: The Hidden Weak Point in Maryland Trees"