The way various trees grow is unique and unpredictable. Some trees grow a single solid trunk while others may grow a little and then fork off to create two separate tree trunks that grow up into the sky. When a tree forks on your property, there are many elements to look for to ensure the safety and protection of both the tree and the surrounding area.

Learn about various treatments to consider for forked trees and how to help keep the trees in your backyard healthy.

1. Half-Tree Removal

When a trunk splits, ideally you want both sections to grow upwards in the same direction. Some trees do not grow equally, with one side that grows at an extreme angle. As the tree grows, the trunk with the angled growth constantly puts pressure on the fork of the tree, which could eventually split open under the pressure.

Tree services provide the opportunity to cut down just one half of the tree. With a half-tree removal, you eliminate the need for whole-tree removal and allow the rest of the tree to grow and prosper.

If you are unsure if either side of a forked tree presents a danger to your surrounding property, a tree professional will perform a full inspection to tell you about any possible complications.

2. Tree Growth Regulators

As a forked tree grows taller, the dangers of a split only increase. If the tree is currently in a safe state, consider the use of tree growth regulators. The regulators are injected into the soil at the bottom of a tree. The exact type of regulator depends on the species of tree.

Once injected, the regulator inhibits the growth of the tree. You do not need to worry about the forks of the tree growing too large or splitting further apart from each other. Some studies have shown that the use of the regulators also helps prevent disease in trees. Any trees treated with a growth regulator will remain strong and healthy without growing too large.

A tree services may apply a growth regulator annually or as needed as the injections wear off.

3. Tree Cabling

As a tree forks, cabling may prevent the forks from splitting. A cable process connects two sections of a trunk together with a strong steel cable. The cable prevents the tree limbs from pulling apart from each other. The cables still allow the tree to grow but prevent splits or major problems in the future.

Often, professionals mix the use of tree cables with a growth regulator to give a forked tree the best chance of survival. An experienced tree expert will select the best location for cable installation. Some trees may require multiple cables. Over time, the trees will naturally grow to follow the pattern the cables guide for the tree.

4. Tree Pruning

One of the more basic services to help a forked tree is tree pruning. Tree professionals will remove large branches and other elements to keep the tree healthy and prevent any dangers.

Pruning works well when one part of a tree has more branches than another part. Pruning will help keep the tree evenly cut and prevent too much weight on one side of the fork. An even trim will keep the tree growing without any major changes. In some cases, new branches may grow again and the pruning process may have to be repeated every few years or so.

A forked tree does not always create dangers, so a full professional inspection will help homeowners decide if any of these steps need to be taken.

For more information on our tree services, contact us at Schulhoff Tree & Lawn Care, Inc. Our professionals have years of experience and will help you deal with any problems related to the forked tree on your property.