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Branch cracked at the base

mahogany branch cracked at base

This one branch broke at its base even though there was no bark inclusion in the union. Notice that the stem on which the branch was attached was about the same diameter as the broken branch. Stems or branches that are about the same diameter do not have abundant overlapping wood holding them together. This is commonly how codominant stems split.

Treatment: The broken branch should be removed by carefully cutting through the portion of the branch still attached to the tree. Hold the branch weight so the bark does not peel down the remaining stem causing more serious harm. No other action is needed at this time.