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Tree Topping Hurts

1/7/2015

13 Comments

 
"Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice."
We recently took a trip to North Carolina to pick up a shiny new bucket truck. On our long road trip back to Omaha, we noticed that tree topping is a common practice elsewhere, and that, thankfully, the city of Omaha takes pretty good care of its trees.  We don't see a lot of tree topping in Omaha, but when we do - it makes us cringe
 
According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), 
Topped tree
Photo courtesy of University of Florida.

What is tree topping? 

  • Tree topping is defined by the ISA as the indiscriminate cutting of large branches back to long stubs.
  • See photo. Enough said. 

Why are trees topped?

  • An inexperienced tree service may recommend topping in order to clean up a storm-damaged tree. It takes less time and skill to top a tree than to properly prune the damaged limbs and plan for the tree's future growth and health. 
  • Occasionally, our customers request tree topping to stunt the growth of a tree that has become too large for their landscape. Arbor Aesthetics does not top trees and will offer alternative solutions to this problem that will not harm the tree. Sometimes, the customer's best solution is to remove the tree and replace it. 
  • Utility companies will sometimes top trees that are growing directly underneath power lines. This is an unfortunate solution and could be prevented with better planning. Ironically, because of rapid re-growth after topping, this practice can actually make pruning around power lines even more costly in the long run! 

Why is tree topping harmful?

  • Reduced Food Source - Trees need leaves to produce food. Topping usually removes a large portion, if not all, of a tree's leaves. The health of the tree will certainly decline and is unlikely to bounce back.
  • Decay, Insects & Disease - When so many of the branches are cut back to large stumps, the tree is not equipped to be able to properly "seal" the wounds like it normally would with proper pruning back to the branch collar. The stubs are now open wounds vulnerable to insects and disease. This leads to...
  • Dangerous Decay - Decaying branches are dangerous and can cause injury or property damage if they break. 
  • Sun Scald - With the canopy removed, the bark is now suddenly exposed to excessive light and heat. This causes damage to the tissues beneath the bark which can lead to cankers, bark splitting and death of some of some branches. 
  • Water Sprouts - Topping a tree will cause rapid re-growth - but not the good kind! Water sprouts will form just below the cut. These branches are weak, poorly attached, and will easily break off in storms. 
  • It's UGLY! - The regrowth of a topped tree is unsightly and unnatural. Remember that healthy, beautiful trees add value to your home. Tree topping can take it away because the tree becomes an impeding expense.
Topped tree
Topped tree

What's the alternative?

  • Proper Pruning - Arbor Aesthetics can offer health alternatives to tree topping using proper pruning techniques.
  • Start 'Em Young - Proper structural pruning when a tree is young may prevent the need to top a tree later in life. 
  • Proper Planning - It's always a good idea to consult a professional when planning your landscape. Thoroughly research the species of tree you're planting so it has plenty of room to grow. 
  • Removal - Sometimes removing the tree and starting fresh is a solution our customers choose. 

If a tree service recommends topping, it's time to keep shopping!


Sources:
Nebraska Forest Service, 'Don't Top Trees'. International Society of Arboriculture, 'Why Topping Hurts'
13 Comments
Molly Gorman link
1/19/2015 01:57:21 pm

Absolutely! And I share your frustration over too much topping going on still, despite so much awareness being spread around. People also do not realize that tree topping is easy money for an inexperienced tree care provider but does not offer you real value moreover it is expensive than the tree pruning done in a correct manner.

Reply
Tree link
10/21/2018 10:24:45 pm

Excellent and nice post! Thanks for this important data.I have got good Idea and knowledge from here .

Reply
Dave Ruth link
4/29/2019 01:06:18 am

Yes taking care of tree is absolutely necessary and it should be done with proper planning. Nice post keep up the good work.

Reply
Rilly
11/10/2019 09:21:22 pm

I love how you pointed out that topping a tree is UGLY and it goes so well with your company's name because you're explaining that you value beauty and <a href="http://www.hitreeservices.com">trees</a> do just that for a home.

Reply
Hailey Miller link
10/1/2021 09:42:45 pm

Thanks for pointing out that decaying branches are dangerous and can cause property damage. This is helpful because there are lots of tall trees around my bungalow house. With this, I am hoping to find experts on Monday who can perform safe tree removal within five days.

Reply
Michelle link
10/11/2021 03:13:42 am

Great article! Thank you for sharing this informative post, and looking forward to the latest one.

Reply
Mission Viejo Tree Service link
11/1/2021 06:10:20 am

Tree topping a tree is exactly what it sounds like. This is when you cut off the top of the tree, causing the rest of the tree's top branches to become stumps. As a result, your tree is left with weak and unstable branches and a bare and unnatural appearance. Also, your wood is much more susceptible to damage and can be a hazard. Thanks for this post, keep posting.

Reply
Tree Service of Charlottesville link
11/2/2021 08:07:25 pm

When the leaves are removed, the remaining branches and trunk are suddenly exposed to high levels of light and heat. The result may be sunburn of the tissues beneath the bark, which can lead to cankers, bark splitting, and death of some branches.

Reply
MckinneyVia link
2/8/2022 07:21:56 am

Excellent article! Your post is essential today. Thanks for sharing, by the way.

Reply
Visit website link
2/24/2022 10:06:16 pm

Thanks for posting Some Great ideas

Reply
Eli Richardson link
3/23/2022 10:58:52 am

It really helped when you explained why we shouldn't work with a tree company that suggests tree topping. My wife and I just moved into a new home last week, and it came with several trees. We're not tree experts and don't know if they're in good health or not, so we'll be sure to follow your advice and hire an experienced tree care service! We're so grateful for your advice on making sure our trees are safe and healthy.

Reply
tree removal columbia sc link
3/29/2022 09:00:13 pm

You have remarked very interesting points! ps decent website.

Reply
Braden Bills link
11/17/2022 09:07:36 am

I have some trees that I need to get trimmed. It makes sense that I would want to ensure that they are properly trimmed. It's good to know that doing it too much can end up damaging the tree. I'll be sure to get a professional to handle this so that the tree doesn't get topped.

Reply



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    Amy Grewe, Certified Arborist & Co-Owner 

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Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service

Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service
6724 Irvington Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
402-408-5600
info@arboraesthetics.com
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