Topping is for Ice Cream Not Trees

Tree topping is not considered a viable practice for tree care according to current industry standards. This controversial topic in past years sparked debate, but now quality arborists know there are many alternatives to tree topping. At Cutting Edge Tree Professionals, we inform property owners on all things related to proper tree care and maintenance, so that they make the best decisions for their trees. In this short article, we discuss tree topping and better alternatives for the overall tree health.

Tree topping causes damage to the overall structure of the tree. We’ve listed some common side effects of tree topping that inhibits growth and health.

• Disease- tree topping leaves large cuts that can shock the tree. Tree bark is the outermost protective layer for a tree and when it’s gone, the exposed tree is more susceptible to pests and disease.
• Sun damage- Beyond disease and pests, the exposed cuts are susceptible to sun damage. Without leaves, the sunlight has direct access to the central part of the tree and can cause scaring, peeling bark, and cracks.
• Weakened limbs and starvation- Leaves are food for a tree. They contain the energy the tree needs to survive long term. Without leaves, trees will imminently starve and “As a defensive action, the starving tree responds by rapidly sending out multiple shoots from latent buds below each cut. This action is the tree’s survival mechanism to put out a new flush of leaves as soon as possible.”  As this happens, the limbs are weakened because of the rapid growth of every part of the tree.

Though it may seem as though tree topping is a less expensive option for pruning, in the long-run you will likely spend more money because of the damage to your trees.

• Cumulative expense over time- dealing with pests, diseases, and the fast-growing limbs is the downfall when it comes to expense because of tree topping.
• Likely damage to surrounding environment- as the limbs are weakened, they are more likely to snap and break during extreme weather, which is already a concern, even for healthy trees. Cars, homes, and other parts of property are all at risk in this case.
• Eventual Removal- topped trees will need to be removed much sooner than a healthy tree that can live hundreds of years. The expense to remove the tree overrides any short-term savings because of tree topping.

• Instead of topping a tree, the best option is to regularly prune trees. Or, call your local arborist for tree thinning. Arborists can get rid of dead limbs and thin the tree in a way that doesn’t cause the tree harm.
• Crowning a tree is a safe alternative to tree topping as well. Arborists are selective with which limbs to remove, keeping the size of the tree down, and giving it a proper shape.
• Keep in mind that planting smaller trees to begin with is the best advice for anyone who could have special issues down the road.