Now you're getting the idea. Yes, there must be continuity from roots to the
branch you're working on. If you cut two notches on the same branch, the
same rule applies.
Marty

Trees will compensate for things like that, given time. Both xylem
(water carrying elements) and phloem (nutrient-carrying elements) are
linked end-to-end with many seive-like pores. However, there are
lateral pores, too, and this allows lateral spread. The new growth
from the cambium the year after the cut will differentiate to
compensate as well. So you can make the two notches, but if the tree
experiences water stress, water will travel to other branches faster
than to that branch, weakening it. So make sure the tree is
well-watered until healing occurs.

The cambium is an awesome thing. We're used to thinking of organisms
with support on the outside (insects and crustaceans) or on the
inside (coral), but trees have both.
--
Nina Shishkoff

Frederick, MD

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