15 Years after Planting The tree which should have been a source of pleasure and beauty is lopsided and dense. The narrow branch angles and multiple leaders have resulted in a weak top. The broken branch not only attracts insects but may break off under the weight of too many sprouts. Decay has entered the trunk where a bent branch tore off many years ago. The tree has become a liability instead of an asset to the property.
Narrow angles signal a point of future weakness, whether in the trunk or in the crown.
As the two branches grow, neither has sufficient space to add the wood needed for strength. Instead, they grow against each other. The effect is similar to hammering in a wedge. To prevent this and the expensive problems which are sure to follow, simply remove one of the two branches. For strength, the ideal branching angle approximates ten or two o'clock.