Many people think that you can cut off a top of a tree, that this feat is easy. They’re wrong. When you sever a tree’s trunk — commonly called topping it — the stump dies, and the tree permanently deforms. Get the facts on tree topping in this article, so you can make better decisions.
What is Tree Topping? (And Why Tree Service Shouldn’t Do It)
A tree topping is a pruning method that results in the removal of the top portion of a tree (the trunk and the foliage) and results in the formation of multiple branches at the cut site. A tree can be topped to improve the aesthetic value of a tree, but this practice is usually discouraged by arborists who know that it can damage or even kill the tree.
Dangers of Tree Topping for Your Trees
The primary reason that tree topping is discouraged is that the practice of topping causes irreparable damage to a tree’s vascular cambium and xylem. This damage results in necrosis and girdling, which will eventually kill the tree.
There are multiple reasons that a tree should not be topped, especially in situations where the tree is growing in a crowded environment. When trees are growing close together, they can obstruct each other’s sunlight and compete for nutrients in the soil.
If a tree is growing very close to another tree, the first tree can be topped so that the top portion of the tree is removed. This will result in the formation of multiple branches at the cut site. If the tree is growing in a crowded environment, this can result in the branches of the first tree growing into the branches of the second tree.
In any instance where a tree is topped to improve the aesthetic value of the tree, the tree will not be able to develop its full potential, which can result in a low-quality product.
Tree topping can also be done to make room for the installation of an object. For example, if a tree is growing in the way of a sidewalk, the tree can be topped to remove the top portion of the tree. This practice can have negative impacts on the overall health of the tree and can also result in the death of the tree.
Why You Should Not Work with a Company That Tops Trees
Arguments can be made for or against the practice of topping trees. Despite the best intentions of the arborist or landscaper, this practice should be avoided due to the negative impacts it has on a tree’s health. One of the best ways to avoid this practice is to only work with a tree service that genuinely values the preservation of trees.
When you consistently choose a tree service that practices responsible tree care, you are helping to ensure that the environment can be preserved for future generations.
A professional arborist understands that cutting the top off of a tree will not solve the problems of a crowded tree and will help ensure that the environment is preserved for future generations.
If you are looking for a tree service company, come to Tree Crews. We provide all-inclusive tree services with tree removal, tree pruning, forest beautification, tree health management, debris, and stump removal, as well as anytime emergency tree service in response to wind or storm damage.