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Up-sweeping branches

branches curving upwardsBranches that curve upward (right photo) can crack (photo below) easier than those that emerge in other shapes. Remove these branches when trees are young, or on larger branches as shown here, shorten them with reduction cuts to reduce likelihood of failure.

 

branch curving up
Close up of right branch on the tree shown above. Note the swelling along the branch indicating a longitudinal crack. Shorten this branch to reduce likelihood of failure.