What is topping and why does it hurt trees?
Homeowners often feel that their trees have become too large for their property. There are recommended techniques for reducing crown size. Toping is not one of them. Toping is removing 50 – 100 percent of the leaf-bearing crown of a tree by cutting the ends of branches. This practice can be very damaging to the tree both because of the location of the pruning cuts and the large number of wounds. It creates more problems than it solves. Topping may cause stress, decay, sunburn and weak branch attachments that are more likely to break off during a storm. Stressed trees are more vulnerable to disease and insects. A tree that has been topped is permanently disfigured. Pruning large trees can be dangerous. It is best to hire a certified arborist who can determine the type of pruning necessary to improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees. Performing the job safely reduces the risk of personal injury and potential damage to your property.
