A tree can split in half with no severe storm involved at all, and the cause is often set years earlier by how the trunk grew.
Codominant stems happen when two main trunks grow from nearly the same point on a tree instead of one central leader. Bark can get pinched between the two stems rather than fusing together solidly, creating a weak union called included bark.
Maples throughout Frederick County commonly develop this structure, and that weak point can hold for years before finally failing during ordinary wind. Watts Tree Experts inspects for this risk and can recommend corrective pruning or cabling where it applies, often extending the safe life of a mature tree that would otherwise be a removal candidate.
If a maple or other tree on your property has two large trunks splitting close to the ground, it's worth having it evaluated before the next round of storms.
#IncludedBark #FrederickCountyArborist #MarylandArborist #TreeSafety
A photo of a real tree showing a codominant trunk or visible included bark seam, or a crew member inspecting a trunk union on a job site.
Canva text suggestion: "Two Trunks, One Weak Point" or "A Hidden Risk in Your Maple"