Does multi-trunking a shrub or tree make its overall height smaller than maintaining a single trunk?

[MC Silver]

Does multi-trunking a shrub or tree make its overall height smaller than maintaining a single trunk? My thought process is that a single trunk would be able to get taller because the plant is putting all of its energy into that singular trunk?

I ask because I'm planting a small tree by my house and want it to grow in a way that will provide enough height to put a bench under, in its shade.

Thanks guys!

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, MC Silver said:

Does multi-trunking a shrub or tree make its overall height smaller than maintaining a single trunk? My thought process is that a single trunk would be able to get taller because the plant is putting all of its energy into that singular trunk?

 Not necessarily..

While a multi - trunked tree / shrub ...or whatever type of plant it might be...  will be directing more energy into multiple trunks / limbs,  depending on what the plant is / what it's natural growth rate is,  a multi - trunked tree can still attain the same natural size as a single -trunked specimen, though the multi trunked specimen might do so at a somewhat slower pace.... Many species within the genus Ficus are a good example of that.. Even a multi trunked Ficus microcarpa /nitida or benjamina can grow at a pretty rapid clip if it is happy..

On the other hand, if the tree in question is a species / species within a genus of trees  that grows at a slower pace -overall-,   the multi trunked specimens' growth rate can be notably slower than the single trunked one.  ..Typically at least..

As always, there can be exceptions to such rules, in either direction..

[Silas_Sancona]

16 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

 Not necessarily..

While a multi - trunked tree / shrub ...or whatever type of plant it might be...  will be directing more energy into multiple trunks / limbs,  depending on what the plant is / what it's natural growth rate is,  a multi - trunked tree can still attain the same natural size as a single -trunked specimen, though the multi trunked specimen might do so at a somewhat slower pace.... Many species within the genus Ficus are a good example of that.. Even a multi trunked Ficus microcarpa /nitida or benjamina can grow at a pretty rapid clip if it is happy..

On the other hand, if the tree in question is a species / species within a genus of trees  that grows at a slower pace -overall-,   the multi trunked specimens' growth rate can be notably slower than the single trunked one.  ..Typically at least..

As always, there can be exceptions to such rules, in either direction..

One important factor i forgot to add that you want to keep in mind when it comes to multi trunked things ...trees esp.,  ...as it relates to the strength of X or Y tree's wood.

If  a " weak wooded " species,  a multi trunked specimen of that species can be more vulnerable to breakage,  esp. if that weak wooded, multi trunked tree is prone to developing bad crotch angles.. 

Shrub-y stuff? ..just depends on what it is.  Lower overall height ..say something that only gets 10- 15ft tall, compared to a tree that can get ..say 30ft tall..  will be less vulnerable to damage, overall.

On the other hand, a single trunked tree ..or large shrub..,  can completely uproot / have it's top completely sheared off in certain situations.