Tree Topping: Why You Shouldn't Do It
Tree topping is a poor tree trimming practice that involves cutting off the top of a tree. Despite this seeming like a simple solution, topping is very harmful to trees and can cause all kinds of problems and headaches down the line.
Even though tree topping is widely considered a bad tree care practice, it is done all too often. There are many situations where topping might seem like the easiest fix for a homeowner, although it never actually is. If there is a tree that is getting too tall and blocking the view or one that seems hazardous during windstorms, a homeowner may think that cutting the top off of the tree will be their best option. That’s because topping can cause very short-term relief to the problem. In the long term, however, many problems can appear. Despite the short-term convenience, there are many reasons that tree topping is a bad idea.
Topping causes shock to a tree
The crown of a tree shields the sun from the rest of the tree and surrounding plants. When the top is suddenly removed, the rest of the tree is exposed to sun and other intense elements. This can cause shock to the tree and nearby plants and shrubs, especially those that do best in the shade due to the shade being removed when the tree is topped.
Topping can lead to tree decay
After a tree is topped it can have a hard time preventing decay from moving through the tree. This is because it takes a very long time for the bark to grow back over the area that was cut. During this recovery time when the tree does not have a protective bark layer, it is much more vulnerable to tree decay and disease. This can have a greater impact on the long-term health of the tree and the safety of your property because an unhealthy tree can become a hazardous tree.
A topped tree is an ugly tree
When a tree is topped, a lot of its beauty is taken away. The natural structure of trees can bring a lot of value to a property. This structure can be maintained and even improved when pruned and trimmed correctly. Topping, on the other hand, does the opposite and takes away the structural beauty and can have a negative impact on the appearance of the landscape. Even in the long term when a tree begins to regrow after being topped, it can look misconfigured because it grows multiple tops instead of one. This one decision to top a tree can have a long-lasting impact on the tree's appearance and the property.
Damage from topping is expensive
Topping may seem like a cheaper option in the short term because it doesn’t require the technical skill that other pruning methods do. However, the long-term costs associated with tree topping can be far greater than the money saved by choosing cheap tree care practices. A few of the many costs a homeowner may encounter due to a topped tree are:
- The cost of tree removal
- Home damage caused by the unhealthy tree
- Damage to surrounding plants and shrubs caused by a change in sunlight exposure
- A decrease in home and property value caused by an unattractive landscape
- Increased future maintenance to heal the damaged tree
Topping can block your view
One of the reasons people top their trees is because they think it will improve their view. If a tree is blocking their view, topping may seem like a simple solution. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. When a tree is topped, the way it recovers is by growing multiple tops which can reach the original height of the tree in a short amount of time. After that happens, the homeowner no longer has a clear view and they have to deal with the other repercussions of tree topping. If you are looking to improve your view, topping is not the answer. Luckily, professional arborists can use pruning techniques that are good for your view and your trees.
Even though tree topping can appear to be the easy fix, it can lead to expensive repairs for the current and future homeowner. There are many alternatives to tree topping, and choosing a high-quality tree preservation company that values the long-term health of your trees can help you select the optimal service that aligns with what you are hoping to accomplish, whether that’s safety, aesthetics, property value, or views.
If you want to maintain your tree's health and improve your view, schedule a no-cost consultation online or with one of our field representatives to have one of our local, professional arborists consult with you on the best way to proceed.