On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 22:00:11 -0500, sherwindu
wrote:

The main question here is appearance, as a single leader trunk might
look more appropriate. This problem would have been easier if you
would have attacked it when the tree was much younger. At this point,
I would recommend leaving the tree, as it is. The two branches are too
big now to try and straighten. An arbortist or tree surgeon might have
a better idea what to do. Perhaps some kind of steel band to prevent
further widening of the crack
If the point is to preserve both branches, it can be done with
hardware, but not a steel band! That's like putting a noose around
the tree's neck.

The preferred method is to drill through the trunk and put a bolt
through it (probably at a couple of places).

But, in the case of a small tree like this, I prefer to remove one
branch (the smaller, most likely). I think doing it in two stages, as
suggested earlier, is a good idea.

As for the deflection in the trunk, don't worry about it. It won't go
away, exactly, but when the trunk is 12" or 24" in diameter, such a
small aberration will be vitually unnoticeable. At worst, it will add
character to the tree in its old age.

Keith Babberney
ISA Certified Arborist #TX-0236AT