Tree Hazard: Codominant Stems

Mocksville, North Carolina | August 11, 2022

Codominant stems can be hazardous and it's important to recognize. This type of tree hazard tends to fail much more often than others, especially in storms.

The term "codominant stems" is used to describe 2 or more main stems or "leaders" that are about the same diameter and emerge from the same junction or fork on the main tree trunk. As the tree grows older, the stems remain similar in size without any single one becoming dominant.

What should you look for?

There are a few indicators we look for to determine if codominant trees are of concern:

> The union between the two stems form a "V" (a "V" union is much more likely to fail than a "U" union)

> Symptoms of decay in the union

> Fluid flowing from the union

> Woody plants growing in the union

> Cracks in the union itself

> Other signs of failure

The codominant trees at this home in Mocksville, NC were growing in opposite directions and were load bearing towards the home. Luckily, when the tree fell the homeowner had another tree there and it held it up. This kept the falling tree from hitting the home.

We safely removed these trees for our homeowner, ground the stumps and took care of all the debris.

Contact Us!

Tree pruning can be a simple solution to reduce the hazards of codominant trees or tree removal may be recommended.

Earnest Tree Service and Landscaping can trim, treat and remove trees on your residential or commercial property. We also offer stump grinding services to eliminate safety hazards on your land.

Our estimates are FREE. Contact us for a quote HERE.

We are also trusted for emergency tree services, which are offered 24/7. Call us when you have a tree issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Learn more HERE.