Co-dominant Stems
/koh-DOM-ih-nant stemz/🌲 Arboriculture●● Intermediate
Also known as: codominant stems, dual leaders, co-dominant leaders
Co-dominant stems are roughly equal-sized leaders growing from a common point on the trunk, typically forming a narrow V-shaped union. Unlike a well-attached branch that is smaller than its parent stem, co-dominant stems often develop included bark between them, creating a structurally weak attachment. Structural pruning during a tree's early years can subordinate one stem to prevent co-dominance.
Etymology
From Latin co- (together) + dominantem (ruling) + Old English stemn (trunk)
Example
“Early structural pruning can prevent co-dominant stems from developing by subordinating competing leaders.”