One of the most common questions we get asked is whether or not topping a tree when pruning is a good idea. The answer, unfortunately, is a little bit complicated and depends on a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of topping a tree so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your trees.
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What is Topping?
Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches, usually done to reduce the size of the tree. Homeowners may elect to top their trees for a variety of reasons, including wanting to improve the aesthetic of their yard, or because the tree has begun to interfere with power lines. However, topping is generally considered bad practice by arborists, as it can lead to a number of problems for the tree. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of those problems in more detail.
Pros and Cons of Topping a Tree
Many people view tree topping as a quick and easy solution to getting rid of an overgrown tree. However, there are a number of potential problems that can occur when you top a tree. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of topping a tree so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right course of action for your needs.
The Pros of Topping a Tree
The Pros of Topping a Tree1. Quick and Easy Solution: As we mentioned before, one of the biggest advantages of topping a tree is that it’s a quick and easy solution to getting rid of an overgrown tree. If you don’t have the time or money to invest in professional tree removal services, topping your tree may be the best option for you.
2. Reduces the Risk of Storm Damage: Tree toppings can also help to reduce the risk of storm damage. Overgrown trees are more likely to be damaged or uprooted during severe weather conditions since they have more surface area that is exposed to high winds. By reducing the amount of foliage on your tree, you can help to reduce the risk of storm damage.
3. Increases Sunlight Exposure: Another advantage of topping a tree is that it can help to increase sunlight exposure. If your tree is blocking out too much sunlight, topping it can help to bring more light into your home or yard. This is especially beneficial during the winter months when sunlight is scarce.
The Cons of Topping a Tree
1. Damages the Tree: One of the biggest disadvantages of topping a tree is that it can damage the tree. When you top a tree, you cut off its main source of food and water which can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, topping can cause wounds in the trunk which can lead to decay over time.
2. encourages Unhealthy Growth: Topping also encourages unhealthy growth. When you cut off the main stems of a tree, it causes what is known as “suckering.” This means that the tree will produce multiple small shoots in an effort to compensate for the loss of its main stems. This new growth is often weak and unhealthy since it doesn’t have a strong root system to support it.
3. Aesthetically Unpleasing: Finally, topping a tree can be aesthetically unpleasing since it results in an irregular shape that looks unnatural. If you’re concerned about how your trees look, you may want to avoid topping them altogether.
Another downside to topping is that it leaves the tree vulnerable to disease and insect infestations. When you cut off the crown of the tree, you’re essentially creating large wounds in the bark. These wounds provide an entry point for pests and diseases, which can cause long-term damage to the tree. Finally, topping also removes many of the leaves from the tree, which reduces its ability to produce food through photosynthesis. As a result, trees that have been topped are more likely to die than those that have not been topped.
Why is Topping Harmful?
If you’ve ever seen a tree that’s been “topped,” then you know how unsightly it looks. Topping is when the main stem(s) of a tree is cut back to stubs, and lateral branches are left to grow unchecked. It’s often done as a quick fix to control the size or shape of a tree, but it actually does more harm than good. In this blog post, we’ll explain why topping is harmful and offer some alternatives for pruning your trees.
The Dangers of Topping
Topping leaves stubs that are susceptible to Decay: When a tree is topped, large wounds are left where the main stems were cut. These wounds provide an entry point for decay-causing fungi, which can eventually kill the tree.
Topping promotes Unsafe Growth: Topped trees often respond by growing new shoots from the stubs or from latent buds on the lateral branches. These new shoots are weakly attached to the rest of the tree and are more likely to break in high winds or heavy snowfalls. This can pose a serious safety hazard, especially if the tree is located near houses, buildings, or power lines.
Topping causes intense Stress: Trees experience stress whenever they’re wounded (which includes being topped). This stress can cause long-term damage to the tree’s health and reduce its lifespan. Additionally, stressed trees are more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Why You Shouldn’t Top Trees?
Topping a tree is the indiscriminate cutting of large branches back to stubs or lateral branches that are too small to assume the terminal role. This severe pruning practice results in enormous wounds that cannot close or heal properly. Topping also removes 50 to 100 percent of the leaf-bearing crown, which significantly reduces the tree’s ability to make food for itself through photosynthesis. In addition, topped trees are much more vulnerable to wind damage because of their reduced anchoring capacity and increased wind resistance. Finally, topping stimulates the profuse growth of weak, poorly attached shoots (known as water sprouts) that are even more hazardous than the original branches because they are structurally unsound.
A topped tree will never be the same as it was before it was damaged. It will require regular maintenance pruning for the rest of its life just to try to keep it safe and looking somewhat presentable.
What You Should Do Instead?
If you need to reduce the height or spread of a tree, there are proper pruning techniques that can be used that will not harm the tree. Crown reduction cuts branches back to laterals that are at least one-third the diameter of the branch being removed; this is different than topping, which cuts branches off at 2-3 feet from the trunk with no regard for branch size. Crown reduction still results in some degree of wound closure injury, but it is much less severe than topping because branch collar tissue is left intact and most of the leaf-bearing crown remains. When done properly, crown reduction can slow down vertical growth for several years and shape a taller, narrower canopy.
Conclusion
Topping a tree is bad for its health and can even lead to its death. If you’re concerned about the size or shape of your tree, there are much better ways to manage its growth. Use pruning techniques such as crown thinning or selective pruning to selectively remove branches and encourage the tree to grow in a certain way. You can also use guy wires or other support systems to help the tree grow in a certain shape. These methods are much better for the health of your tree than topping it.
