When storm season hits here in North Carolina, most homeowners start thinking about high winds, heavy rain, and the potential for property damage. What many don’t realize is that the structure of your trees plays a major role in how they respond during a storm.
One of the most common and dangerous structural issues we see is something called a co-dominant tree. These trees may look healthy from the outside, but they often fail without warning when put under stress from wind or saturated soil.
At Unlimited Tree Service, we’ve responded to countless
storm damage calls where a co-dominant tree split and caused serious damage. The good news is that this risk can often be identified and addressed before it becomes a problem.
What Is a Co-Dominant Tree?
A co-dominant tree has two or more main stems (called leaders) growing from the same point, instead of one strong central trunk.
These stems compete for dominance, creating a weak connection where they meet. Over time, this often leads to:
- Included bark (bark trapped between stems instead of solid wood)
- Weak attachment points
- Increased likelihood of splitting under pressure
Why Co-Dominant Trees Are Dangerous During Storms
During storms, trees are exposed to intense forces like wind gusts and heavy rain. A structurally sound tree can typically withstand this. A co-dominant tree often cannot.
Here’s what makes them especially risky:
- Weak unions split easily under wind load
- Water saturation adds weight, increasing stress at the split point
- Sudden failure is common, even if the tree looked healthy beforehand
We regularly see these trees split right down the middle, especially during summer thunderstorms and hurricane season.
Signs You May Have a Problem Tree
You don’t need to be an arborist to spot potential issues. Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Two large trunks growing from the same point
- A visible crack forming where stems meet
- Bark pushed inward between stems (included bark)
- One side of the tree is heavier than the other
- Leaning or shifting after storms
If you notice any of these, it’s worth having a professional look before the next storm hits.
Why Proactive Tree Care Matters
Waiting until a tree fails can lead to:
- Roof damage
- Vehicle damage
- Fence and structure damage
- Power line impact
- Expensive emergency removal costs
- Risk to your family’s safety
Proactive trimming or removal is almost always more controlled, safer, and cost-effective than dealing with storm damage after the fact.
What We Recommend at Unlimited Tree Service
Every tree is different, but depending on the situation, we may recommend:
- Structural pruning to reduce weight and stress
- Full removal if the risk is too high
Our goal is simple: identify the risk early and help you make the best decision for your property and safety.
Schedule a Tree Evaluation Before the Next Storm
Storm season doesn’t wait, and neither should tree problems.
If you’re unsure about a tree on your property, Unlimited Tree Service can provide an honest evaluation and recommend the best course of action. A quick inspection now could save you thousands in damage later.
Call us or
fill out our form today to schedule a free estimate!
