In reply to:
Would you have preferred:
"The severed arm lay askew against the base of the pecan tree, its bloody tendons staining the once-aromatic bark."...?
Not particularly, no. Though it would be interesting to be told that pecan tree bark is aromatic. Since one of the main thoroughfares is called Pecan Street, I was apparently right in my conjecture that pecan trees are quite common in those parts.
I must admit that I've only ever had pecan pie once. I wouldn't refuse another helping, but it's not something I feel any urge to seek out.
Bingley