How Does Tree Topping Damage Long-Term Tree Health?
The Process of Tree Topping
Many tree trimming companies advertise tree topping to reduce the size of a large or mature tree. Tree topping is a controversial service in the arborist industry, as there are many downsides, and any minimal positives can be achieved through better tree trimming techniques. Topping is a destructive method of cutting down the branches of a tree. The act of topping is similar to hedge trimming, but causes harm to the tree and is typically done without any regard to tree health.
Tree topping leaves only the lateral branches, which are reduced to unhealthy stubs. These chopped-off branches aren’t able to function properly the way a tree needs them to for survival. After tree topping, the tree will always suffer and causing long-term health problems. Having trees topped will always result in damage to the tree, regardless of what an arborist or tree trimmer says. If an arborist doesn’t know the difference between pruning a tree and topping a tree, they are likely unqualified to be doing any sort of branch or limb removal for your tree. Some owners request tree topping out of concern for the stability of the tree; however, a healthy tree will have a strong root system that is specifically sized to stabilize the tree during high winds and storms. We urge our clients to avoid tree topping, and it is a service we do not provide. Continue reading to learn more about how topping can damage your tree, and what healthy alternative services Joseph Tree provides.
Topping Trees Causes Physical Damage
Topping hurts trees 100% of the time, exposing them to weaknesses that can even lead to death. Trees quickly go into shock after topping. Because the tree is missing foliage, it struggles with food production and becomes stressed from the aggressive cuts to its branches. Because the tree is in shock, it will rapidly grow new shoots, which are called epicormic sprouts. These shoots grow too quickly and are weak compared to how tree branches grow naturally. These branches are weak and can be a safety risk since they don’t have as strong a connection to the limbs. When topping a tree, the arborist will remove a significant amount of foliage, exposing the tree to higher levels of sunlight. Sometimes an overcrowded tree has too many branches covered in foliage, which block airflow and sunlight from getting inside the canopy. In this situation, pruning helps sunlight get to leaves below the top branches. Topping a tree results in sunscalding, which is an overexposure to direct sunlight. The outer bark on the tree will be over-exposed, can dry out and crack, and can even cause death to the tree. Topping causes a significant amount of harm and can damage tree strength significantly. The damage can lead to disease, unnecessary exposure to harm, and even cause the tree to completely die. As ISA Certified Arborists, we put tree health above all else while doing our best to meet the needs of our clients. We are fully committed to providing high-quality tree care services across Central Ohio.
How Topping Impacts Tree Health
Topping tree techniques don’t just damage the physical structure of a tree, but can also cause internal health issues. The process of topping removes healthy branches, buds, and stops healthy growth. Unlike pruning, it reduces the tree’s opportunity to grow more sturdy branches. Topped trees are greatly exposed to multiple dangers, are weakened, and have no way to defend themselves. After being topped, the tree has many wounds that leave it vulnerable. The tree is exposed to insects that can easily enter the tree and cause an infestation. Insect infestations are one of the main killers of trees and should not be taken lightly. The open wounds of topped trees are also susceptible to disease. Fungal infections can easily make their way through the cut stub and spread into the trunk. Once a fungal infection begins, the tree may struggle to get water, food, and fight the infection. Tree topping removes a lot of foliage, which reduces its ability to perform photosynthesis. When a tree suddenly loses a lot of leaves, it has trouble producing enough food to stay healthy, which can further weaken the tree. All of these health issues combined leave the tree unguarded, and in some cases, it can die. Continue reading to learn more about alternatives to topping and how your trees can benefit from professional pruning.
Healthy Alternatives to Topping A Tree
Although topping is harmful to trees, some alternatives can make your tree look nicer and grow healthier. Pruning is the process of carefully removing limbs, branches, and shoots to manage the growth of the tree. When pruning trees, we are very selective, and every cut is done with precision and care. Pruning isn’t just about making cuts at random spots throughout the canopy, but about making delicate and distinct cuts that won’t damage the tree. Pruning cuts are done at specific angles and at specific points along the branch to minimize the damage and reduce the healing time. These cuts stop disease from entering the open wounds. Tree pruning can remove dead and diseased branches that may have otherwise led to further damage. Removing disease from a tree prevents it from spreading and infecting the entire trunk. After pruning a tree, more light and air can enter the canopy, reducing the chance of mildew or mold from growing along the bark. Proper pruning encourages strong growth that will protect the tree in the future.
Pruning: Crown Reduction
A crown reduction is a type of pruning that removes safely and constructively. Crowning reduces the overall amount of foliage, but doesn’t damage the structure of the tree. This technique is significantly less aggressive or invasive than topping is, and typically only removes around 25% of the tree’s foliage.
Crown tree reduction is a safer technique when compared to topping, and afterward, trees are likely to experience healthier regrowth. Healthy regrowth increases safety and reduces the likelihood that the tree will break under the pressure of winds, etc. Crown reductions also let the arborist clear out any dead limbs, which are dangerous for the tree and can be a breeding site for infectious insects. The process of a crown reduction increases the health, safety, and visual appeal of the tree.
The Differences in Topping and Pruning Trees
Pruning is done with precision and is intended to maximize the health and growth of the tree. Pruning techniques are specifically designed to cause minimal wounds and scars. Trees are much more likely to heal prosperity when pruned with specific techniques. Topping causes numerous scars all at once, causing difficulties for the tree. A tree with dozens of cuts will struggle to heal and protect itself. Pruning is delicate and allows you to shape the tree without being too invasive. Pruning allows the natural shape of the tree to be enhanced and helps limbs maintain a balanced weight for future growth. Topping cuts the branches off, leaving a trunk with a collection of ugly stubs. Topping is bad for trees and can kill them; if you need help pruning your trees, contact Joseph Tree today!
Local Certified Arborists
The team at Joseph Tree is proud to serve the greater community of Central Ohio. We are ISA certified arborists with extensive knowledge that goes far beyond simple tree care. We believe in raising the standard of our industry and continue to study our craft, win service awards, gain new certifications, and care for the trees in our city.
Don’t Get Your Trees Topped
Reach out to Joseph Tree today to speak with us about how we can help you! Get an estimate on pruning, tree trimming, tree removal, general tree care, preventative care, and more.