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Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known.

The most common reason given for topping is to reduce the size of a tree. Often homeowners feel that their trees have become too large for their property. People fear that tall trees may pose a hazard. Topping, however, is not a viable method of height reduction, and certainly does not reduce the hazard. In fact, topping will make a tree more hazardous in the long term.

Topping is the excessive and arbitrary removal of all parts of the tree above and beyond a certain height with no regard for the structure or growth pattern of the tree.
Pruning is the selective removal of certain limbs based on the structure and growth pattern of the tree.

Topping a tree (severely cutting it back so it looks like a hat rack) is harmful to the tree and leads to many problems in the future including the potential of killing the tree.

TREE TOPPING MYTHS:
- The tree is too tall. This indicates either poor species selection, improper tree placement, or fear that the tree might be dangerous in storms.
- Topping reduces the risk of storm damage. the reduction in height reduces risk temporarily, but as the tree regrows, it is structurally weaker and the risk becomes greater.
- It produces a denser shade. The shade may be denser in a small area, but the overall shading potential is reduced.
- It has to be topped because of power lines. Tree and power line conflicts may be resolved by proper species selection, better placement or different pruning technique. Remember: power line clearance benefits the lines, not the trees.
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TOPPING
- The balance between roots and crown is destroyed. Removal of too many branches and leaves can starve trees, Without foliage trees cannot make enough food to maintain growth and vigor.
- Sunscald can occur. Bark tissues suddenly exposed to full sun may be burned and develop disease cankers.
- Large stubs can't heal. Stubs are separated from food and water flow. As tissue dies, wounds don't seal, and decay may enter and spread to the trunk.
- New growth is weak. New sprouts are attached to the surface of stubs rather than being anchored from within former limbs.
- Topping can create hazard. Storms do more damage because the new growth is weakly attached.
- Topping disfigures trees. Topping alters trees' natural beauty and form.
- Topping is only temporary. Trees will grow to their natural height. Rapid regrowth is nature's way of recovering from disasters, and frequent topping will be required to keep a tree under control.

We are professionals at Cortese Tree Specialists, Inc. and will not participate in this unprofessional practice.

Cortese Tree Specialists, Inc. · 1201 W 4th Ave. · Knoxville, TN 37917
phone: 865.522.0533 · fax: 865.521.6055

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