Knowledgebase

Branch junctions on tulip tree showing splits vees #922607

Asked December 02, 2025, 5:03 PM EST

Hi—our 6 yr old tulip tree is now about 30 feet tall and we just noticed this formation at the branch junction with the trunk of all of the older branches. Photo taken at the end of a rain storm, so quite wet. Is this a sign of stress/disease and should we be treating in any way? Thanks!

St. Mary's County Maryland

Expert Response

This may be best evaluated by a certified arborist, as they can better assess in person the branch attachment and if any included bark may be present. "Included bark" is when a branch angle to the trunk is too narrow and the growth of both (as they expand with age) pushes bark into the gap, somewhat like when plate tectonics in geology pushes part of the Earth's crust underground. Tree branch attachments with included bark, which takes up some of the space that wood should be, are more weakly attached and may be more prone to splitting away later as the wood gets heavier and more stress is placed on the branch in windy weather.

A prominent ridge of bark next to the junction (the aptly-named "branch-bark ridge") is normal and more inherently visible on some tree species (and at some tree ages) than others, which is natural, but if included bark is developing, that's something to address with an arborist who can advise on whether pruning to remove such branches is recommended before it worsens. We don't have that advanced level of training, but you can find qualified arborists on the linked pages above.

Miri

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