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Tree Talk blog


Trees with two tops

3/22/2016

4 Comments

 
There is a fairly common phenomenon among some species of our Northern California trees that requires homeowner attention.  Occasionally a tree will divide as it grows and develop two competing tops. These co-dominates are a serious problem because the tree is not naturally prepared to support the additional weight and the crotch where the co-dominates meet tends to be significantly weaker than a healthy straight, single spar trunk. Co-dominates are a major reason that professional arborists will refuse to top trees; cutting the tops off of trees often prompts the growth of co-dominate tops.  Wind, rain, heat (causing increased water intake), and drought are often more than co-dominates can withstand. The answer is to remove one of the tops, preserving the most viable of the two. Co-dominates can most often be remedied up to the time they fail. After failure, tree removal tends to be the only safe alternative. Many people reasonably assume that however the tree grows is fine because its a natural manifestation. There's truth to that when talking about trees in the wild, where the premature death of a tree has no real impact on the forest. But losing the tree that shades your home and took over eighty years to grow is another matter. Having a 2,000 lb. piece of wood drop through your roof also removes some of the charm of a natural act. Failure will likely occur without noticeable warning. Some trees have several vertical spars but that does not mean they have co-dominate tops. Ask a certified arborist. At Bud's, written, no-obligation estimates are free, and our neighbors are always welcome to call the office for information. 
4 Comments
Tyler link
12/16/2016 10:55:31 am

Very informational, found this to be true myself... Detailed Tree and Landscaping | Servicing Sacramento Tree Removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, brush clearing, firewood, pad grading, contact us: 916-346-7701 http://detailedtreeandlandscaping.com/?page_id=4 We Service:Rio Linda, Elverta, Rocklin, Antelope, Sacramento, Gold River, Folsom, El Dorado, Orangevale Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Roseville, North Highlands

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Jim's Trees link
3/9/2018 11:02:10 pm

"Jim's Trees is the New Zealand's largest network of qualified and insured arborist, Our team is expert in doing different types of projects like Tree Removing,Stump Grinding and Stump Removing. We have successfully completed thousand of projects of all sizes.
We have different type of clients like construction sites, private residencies, commercial properties, municipal parks, golf courses, both public and private education institutes and government departments."

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Ron Booker link
1/30/2020 01:33:03 pm

It was great you explained that trees with two trunks are more easy to fall than other trees. My uncle has a piece of land that he wants to clean to build a house. I will let him know about this, that way he can announce it to the rush cleaning company.

Reply
Hoover Horticultural link
4/14/2020 06:51:28 am

Very informational blog! Looking forward to learning more tips from you.

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    Stacy W. Barker

    Stacy is the owner of Bud's 
    Tri-County Tree Services Inc and an ISA certified arborist. He began his tree care career over thirty years ago as a ground man, working for his father, Bud.

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