Here is a close up of the bark and the side branch connection.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:381283}}

Sorry no good advice, but is that a 'Golden Shadows' dogwood to the right in the pic?

Many people might think this was a bit extreme, but if it were my tree (as small as it still is, as messed up as it is, and in the location it is in), I would probably consider removing it and starting over.

The bark came off of the wounded area, not because of disease (at least not directly), but because something had damaged that part of the tree (likely resulting from the loss of the limb missing from the lower stub). That same wound extends above the top of the second picture and appears to go all the way up to the stub I just mentioned. The tree is trying to cover the wound over. Hopefully (especially if you decide to keep the tree), it can do so before rot develops. I don't agree with what Dan said, at least the way he said it, regarding the direction of the wound. Orientation of the wound may impact the trees ability to effectively cover it over, but many other factors are also involved.

Normally, if it were my tree and I decided that I was going to keep it, I would begin addressing the lower branch with the bad crotch immediately, BUT in this case, I would do as Dan says and wait. The reason I would be hesitant to do it now has nothing to do with the toughness of the tree or my ability, or lack there of, to address the situation, but instead because removing (or even slowing down the growth of) that lower limb would likely significantly increase the time needed for the tree to heal over the wound. Without growth to that limb, that side of the wound will not have the ability to heal (effectively the wound would be much larger). Reducing that limb would be an option (kind of a compromise between doing nothing and total immediate removal), but I'm not sure it would be the preferred solution (because of the wound).

Basically, there is no perfect solution, and you'll just have to weigh the options.

I don't have a problem with brandon's prescription either. But of course I'm right so do it my way ;o) .

This is illustrative when typical homeowners get confused and state arborists don't know what they are talking about.

But let's back up: props for providing decent information to speculate without having to beg for the tiniest scrap of information. Thank you.

Dan

I'll see how it does this summer. I have been considering starting over since the wind storm, especially since it has had such rapid growth, but the tree is so beautiful when it is leafed out I hate to see it go. What it wrong with the location its in?

Pruning is definitely not my strength, I don't feel I know enough to do it right. I'll do more research. Thanks for all the thoughts.

Whaas- yes, that is a Golden Shadow Dogwood. It's about 5 years old and is also one of my favorites. It could use a bit more shade in the summer, another reason I really hope my KCT makes it.

"What it wrong with the location its in?"

It's not that there's anything wrong with the location (at least that we can tell from the pics), but, if it were in the back-40, you wouldn't have to worry nearly as much about it. I mentioned the location because the location makes the aesthetics and the health of the tree all that much more important.

Good point. Thanks for the clarification.