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Trees with two tops

3/22/2016

34 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. 
34 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

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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.

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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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Valerie Smith link
8/8/2021 02:50:25 am

Wow. I like your post here.Thanks for all your fabulous tips, which we will be using them. We had to trim our neighbor tree limbs and branches that hangover the roof of our house last week. We have used the tree services revere ma before then we have tried to trim right up to our property line. We do know that's destructive behavior but down here in Revere ma, the police probably won't make an arrest, Thanks again and Goodluck

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Tex Hooper link
11/10/2021 04:54:41 pm

I didn't know that trees grow according to the weather and light. I need some of my trees cut down. I'll have to consider getting a tree service to grind the stumps too.

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Trevor Payne link
12/18/2021 02:01:35 am

Your circumstance is unique and speaks volume how proficient you are with your work. This diligence ensures safety and durability. The split top is usually an amateur mistake because by just looking at the root of the tree you can see if you have a vertical split

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2/2/2022 01:06:21 am

You helped me a lot indeed and reading this your article I have found many new and useful information about this subject

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2/7/2022 02:42:21 am

If you have a tree with a lot of growth, such as a fruit tree, this is generally the best time to prune it. There are also possibilities to access more delicate sections of a tree that would be nearly impossible to reach with equipment during the peak growing months because the snowpack is often lower. When it comes to treetop work that necessitates the use of an aerial lift, now is the time to make that request.

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Ridge Tree Service link
3/24/2022 08:56:05 am

So Informative! agree with you. it is true that in order to grow a healthy tree, we need to sacrifice some less viable ones. When a tree do not receive the correct level of care they can cause serious issues down the line. Loved reading your blog. Thanks for sharing!

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Evergreen Tree Service link
4/12/2022 08:02:35 am

Informative blog good explanation for top tree cutting.

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Max Jones link
4/28/2022 02:01:42 pm

Thanks for the info about trees. My home has a lot of trees. I'll look for a tree service that can help me out.

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12/19/2022 11:06:31 am

I think this is really informative! Thank you for this!

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1/19/2023 12:24:40 pm

Thanks for sharing the information it’s really helpful and informative.

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1/30/2023 09:22:26 am

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3/15/2023 10:01:42 am

Thank you for posting great information! I appreciate this details post and I'll share with my brother who needs to do tree work done his backyard soon.

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Tex Hooper link
4/27/2023 05:45:05 pm

Tree shade does sound nice. My trees need to be ground down. I'll have to hire a contractor to help out.

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Specimen Treecare Ltd link
4/28/2023 12:19:23 am

I really enjoyed reading your work on double-topped trees. Your explanation of the problem of double leaders and your advice on how to prevent and deal with it are both quite helpful. I appreciated that you highlighted the significance of maintaining a consistent trimming schedule. Your post will be extremely helpful to anyone who is trying to maintain trees with a single dominant leader. The data you shared was invaluable.

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Tree Thinning link
5/5/2023 03:34:20 am

Keep posting such updated, nice blog. If you are looking for the best Tree Removal Company, then you have to check out

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Orlando Tree Service link
5/10/2023 02:18:19 pm

It's important for homeowners to be aware of the potential danger of trees with two tops. Co-dominates can weaken the tree and make it vulnerable to failure, which can cause damage to property or even endanger lives. Removing one of the tops is the best solution, and it's important to consult a certified arborist for expert advice. Bud's offers free, no-obligation estimates for anyone concerned about their trees.

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6/7/2023 04:34:43 am

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TREE SURGEON CRANFIELD link
1/8/2024 01:10:20 am

Appreciate the advice on addressing co-dominates in trees. It's a reminder to prioritize tree health and safety around our homes.





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TREE SURGERY IN FINEDON, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE link
5/5/2024 11:31:57 pm

Removing one of the competing tops early can prevent potential hazards and preserve the tree's health.

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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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