What does Included bark mean?

A bark inclusion is where bark is included in the union (crotch) of two stems or in the union of a branch and trunk.

What is included bark on a tree?

It is the union of the stems more than the angle that determines whether a stem is weak or strong. Strong unions usually have a U-shaped crotch. In figure 2, stem N is beginning to envelop stem O. The stems have bark between them at position K. The bark between the stems is called included bark.

What does Included bark look like?

Included bark forms in the junctions of co-dominant stems where there is a narrow angle union – meaning the junction looks like a “V” rather than a “U.” As the tree grows (picture the age rings of a tree) the narrow union will essentially fill with bark and create a growing area of structural weakness in the tree.

What is an inclusion on a tree?

I’m talking about “bark inclusion.” This is when a tree has multiple stems that grow together at some point. From outside it may look like one solid stump. There is no “real” connection between the two stumps even though from the outside it may look like they have grown together to form one solid stump.

What does included bark mean on a tree?

Steve Nix is a natural resources consultant and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters. Included bark or “ingrown” bark tissues often develop where two or more stems grow closely together causing weak, under-supported branch angles.

What do you need to know about bark inclusion?

Let CLC Tree Services shed some light on this hazardous tree condition. Bark Inclusion occurs when two branches or stems of a tree grow too close together in a V formation. This is undesirable, as there is then no room for the tree to grow and expand.

What’s the difference between codominant and included bark?

Codominant stems and Included bark Codominant (two equally dominant) stems are stems that originate at about the same position on the trunk and grow about the same diameter.

When to remove included bark from a tree?

All maturing trees are subject to having bark inclusions and need pruning while limbs are smaller and easier to remove. Any signs of a cracked weak branch angle (shaped like a V) with included bark that occurs on the main stem or any included bark areas on larger, lower limbs should be considered a defect.