Destructibel Mesh along a vertex, vertices

Is there a way in destruction physics similar to Cloth simulation where you can vertex paint or select certain vertices/vertex to be included when doing cloth physics for destruction physics? Lets say i was chopping a tree, i want to sheer off at an angle simulating the tree has been cut. Looks like the destruction physics effects the entire mesh at its vertex/vertices, so the entire tree would explode.
I could use a BP to load 2 tree meshes, one before and one after being cut, replace the mesh and let gravity affect the severed tree.
I figured being able to destruct only at certain vertices/vertex would be helpful for vehicle destruction like a piece of the car sheer off hitting a fence or wall.