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More on tree form and structure
A look inside the branch union above with a prominent collar is shown below.
All trunk wood has decayed away; only branch wood remains.
The many annual collars can be clearly seen because the branch was small compared to the diameter of the trunk. The trunk wood was present in the valleys between the ridges of branch wood. This overlapping of trunk and branch wood secures branches to trunks provided branches remain small compared to the trunk.
Stems are not well connected when both sides are about the same diameter.
The worst case is shown above where a bark inclusion is present where stems join. The inclusion is clearly seen in the union where the bark of both stems dives into the union.
The result is shown in the photo below.
Stems with a bark inclusion as shown is very Susceptible to splitting apart. This tree should be cut down and used for firewood.
