Trees in Florida frequently develop structural issues due to poor pruning, rapid growth from rainfall, or natural form. Many of these defects are invisible to an untrained eye until the moment a limb or trunk actually fails.
Codominant stems and included bark
Codominant stems, two or more trunks of similar size competing for dominance, are common in Florida's fast-growing species. When bark becomes trapped between them as they grow, it is called included bark, and it prevents the two stems from ever forming a strong, interlocking union. The result is a weak point that can split apart under wind load or the sheer weight of the canopy, often with little warning.
Overextended limbs and poor form
Overextended limbs, visible cracks, and a noticeable lean are all high-risk indicators, particularly on trees positioned near structures or pedestrian areas. Trees with poor taper or an imbalanced canopy, often the result of past topping or one-sided pruning, are especially vulnerable during hurricanes and the strong summer storms common across Central Florida.
When decay is the hidden cause
Structural weakness is not always mechanical. Decay pathogens such as hypoxylon canker and Ganoderma butt rot compromise a tree's internal structure long before any external symptoms appear, and by the time a conk or bark loss is visible, significant strength has often already been lost. If you are dealing with a declining oak or palm, our articles on hypoxylon canker and Ganoderma butt rot cover those specific pathogens in more depth.
Why these defects are often missed
Structural defects are frequently overlooked until a failure actually occurs, in part because a tree can look completely healthy from a distance while carrying a serious weak point in its trunk or limb structure. This is exactly the kind of condition a hands-on inspection is designed to catch.
What to do
If a tree on your property has a visible lean, cracking, or a split-looking union between major limbs, it is worth having evaluated before the next storm. ArborManagers provides tree risk assessments throughout Central Florida. Call us at (352) 414-2454 or request a consultation online.