Professional tree services have been rather vocal against the practice of topping trees. Many may wonder what’s tree topping, and why is it so bad?
Tree topping is the practice of severely pruning back the limbs of the tree back to the biggest branches and effectively removing almost all - or even all - of the leaf-producing twigs and stems.
The practice of tree topping is a rather old school practice. It was very common in the 50’s and 60’s. More current research about the biological consequences of the tree topping technique of pruning proves that it is horribly traumatic to the tree. Topping trees has no merit and only ends in trees that are far more threatening to it’s surroundings and less downright ugly.
The professional tree services industry provides these top 4 reasons why you should not top a tree:
1. Starvation. Trees need a balanced crown-root makeup as part of its internal economy for feeding. Tree topping throws the tree off from its system for gauging at what rate it should convert both water and nutrient elements into energy for tree growth and expansion.
2. Shock and Exposure. Tree topping removes a tree’s full crown, which is distressing to the tree in and of itself. But also, by abruptly removing the crown protection, the bark is exposed to the wind, sun, and elements. Tree bark has been known to become scarred by exposure to wind and cold because of the lack of its tree crown. This not only causes poor tree health, but can end up in the tree’s death.
3. Feeble Limbs. Cut ends of large branches breeds rot and malformation. New branch growth that sprouts from massive cuts that become diseased will bring about weak tree growth that is, in the final analysis, diseased and deadly growth. Those branches are likely to break.
4. Ugliness. Topping Trees is a ghastly practice. The topped trees no longer will look like its species, and the tree growth will be bushy, thin, and sickly-looking. It will also be an impediment to the value of your home and land.
There are better pruning practices to manage the growth of a tree than to resort to tree topping. Instead of topping trees that you own, first check with one of the professional tree services of your area and let an arborist help you with better tree pruning practices which will meet your objectives and still support the health and welfare of your trees. If you run into a supposed tree expert that says it is acceptable to top a tree, be wary of his true merit in the sphere of arbor care.
