Lots of Austin, Texas, residents love the peculiar shape of codominant trees and how they look on their properties. However, these trees often create a safety concern and struggle to support themselves once they mature. Many homeowners don’t understand the dangers codominant trees pose or what to do once they develop.
Monster Tree Service of Greater Austin is here to explain everything you need to know about codominant trees and how to prevent them from adversely affecting your property.
Monster Tree Service of Greater Austin is one of Austin, Texas’s leading professional arborist services. For outstanding tree health care in Austin, Texas, reach out to our experts.
What Is a Codominant Tree?
Codominant trees have two or more main trunks. They typically take a V-like shape, making them pretty easy to identify. The stems grow upward and narrow while competing with each other for dominance.
Codominant trees form when two crowning buds on top of the stem grow simultaneously. Although lots of tree species can become codominant, oak, maple, and conifer trees are the most susceptible.
The Dangers of Codominant Trees
Although some codominant trees look healthy and appealing, they experience several structural weaknesses and can split without warning. They also form larger canopies since both trunks trigger growth. However, the excessive growth overloads their canopies, increasing the likelihood of them breaking or falling over, especially during strong winds and turbulent weather.
If a large codominant tree splits, it can fall on your property and destroy anything in its path, causing extensive property damage and injuries.
How To Fix Codominant Trees in Austin, Texas
It's not very easy to correct codominant trees, but that doesn't mean it's impossible, especially if you catch them early. Here's how you can fix codominant trees.
Correcting Small Codominant Trees
If you notice a small tree developing another trunk, prune the weaker stem to restore its shape and ensure optimal growth. However, you may need to stake the tree if it doesn’t have a strong structural support system.
Correcting Moderately Sized Codominant Trees
Correcting moderately sized trees is a lot harder than saving smaller ones since they already developed an additional stem. Instead of pruning the extra trunk all at once, cut it into sections.
Prune the topmost section of the trunk first and work your way down until it’s gone. Wait a week or two between cuts to minimize shock and tree damage.
Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to correct a large, mature codominant tree without removing it. You must contact a professional arborist to remove the tree before it jeopardizes your property and your family’s safety.
Contact Monster Tree Service for First-Class Tree Care in Austin, Texas
If you need to correct or remove codominant trees from your Austin, Texas, property, contact Monster Tree Service. Our arborists can remove dangerous trees from your property while explaining your trees’ structural weaknesses. Whether you need professional tree removal or want to learn how to identify a dead tree, we are here to help.
Call (512) 641-5638 for your free service quote today!