Tree Topping

Tree topping is the practice of removing whole tops of trees or large branches and/or trunks from the tops of trees, leaving stubs or lateral branches that are too small to assume the role of a terminal leader. 

Hundreds of large trees are topped each year, which can cause significant stress and future safety issues. It is the best practice to contact a certified arborist for any questions regarding trees and branches that are causing concern. 

Another popular misconception is that topping a tree will benefit from increased light penetration. The removal of a large portion of a tree's canopy (topping) can have detrimental effects on its growth. When a tree is topped, newly formed bark may be susceptible to sun-scald.

Prolonged exposure can severely damage the bark, thus creating an attractive home for decay-causing organisms. Evidence of decay may be the presence of conks (fungal fruiting structures) on the outer tree bark. 

Some people have been known to top trees in order to stimulate new growth. When a tree is topped, many adventitious shoots, called suckers, begin to grow from the wound. This is the tree's response to the sudden loss of branches and leaves. Although the tree is able to produce an abundance of suckers, they are susceptible to numerous problems. 

Aesthetics is another reason why people hire certified arborists when topping their trees. A tree may be blocking the mountain view, shading the garden, or interfering with solar energy collection. 

Many people think that you can shorten a tree by cutting off the top. What they don’t realize is that topping permanently disfigures and damages the tree, and may even kill it. Once a tree is topped, it can be improved with the help of an arborist, but it can never be completely restored. 

One thing to consider is that topping trees, without the help of a certified arborist, can create a hazard in the landscape because the branches may decay and break. The water sprouts that grow at the top of the tree have weak, shallow anchors and are likely to break off in a storm. When working with an arborist, they will make sure these type of damages doesn't happen

Another very important thing to know is removing much of the leaf surface area needed to produce food and the food storage reserves can lead to decay and stunt growth for years and affect the eventual size of the tree.

Leaving large wounds that are slow to heal can become entry points for insects, decay, and disease organisms. This allows strong sunlight to enter the central parts of the tree, resulting in sunscald, cracks, and peeling bark.

One thing to know about and keep in mind is that utility companies often hat rack trees to keep them from interfering with overhead lines. Their goal is the reduction of danger from branches due to wind and other weather hazards. Unfortunately, hat-racking destroys the appearance of the tree and leaves stubs that will eventually decay. A utility company will not be thinking of the tree's future growth, much less the proper tree-topping techniques for a crown deduction.

Here are some ways to avoid tree topping in the future:

• Before you plant a tree, find out how large it will grow and how many years it will take. Having an idea of what the tree's branches will look like and what the eventual size of the tree will be can be helpful in avoiding the need for tree topping. 

• Don’t plant trees that will grow too tall for their environment. Trees that are too tall and are placed in places that will, in the years to come, cause problems can be avoided by simply looking at the space available and imagining what your tree will look like. An arborist can help you decide if a tree is appropriate for the space you have. 

What to Look for in a Certified Arborist.

Topping trees and branches can be dangerous. You should hire a certified arborist to top your trees. If you aren’t sure whether a tree service provider is qualified or not, call a tree service company and ask questions. Make sure the company is insured and that it has some experience topping trees. Look for a company that will remove the top of your trees, but not cut off the branch stubs. Certified arborists will make sure that they prioritize the safety of your family but also the growth of your trees in the coming years. Tree topping can be dangerous, especially if the crown of the tree is too big or unstable, a certified arborist will consider all aspects of a job including size reduction, pruning, and the lateral branches of your tree. 

An arborist can help you keep your tree from getting too big. This preventive measure can be helpful and beneficial for years to come. They can help you keep an eye on the branches of your tree that cause concern.

Here at Black Sheep, we are certified arborists and are ready to help with any tree topping or crown reduction that your tree may need.

Call today for your free estimate!