What is Topping?

Tree topping is an aggressive pruning method used to reduce a tree’s size by removing most of the tree crown, often to lateral branches that are not suitable to become the new terminal leader.

Why Topping is Bad?

Stresses the tree

Trees require foliage to do photosynthesis and generate its own food source. Tree topping removes a considerable amount of foliage that will starve the tree. The tree will need to draw all of its energy and resources to try to “heal” the wound and defend invasion.

Leads to decay

Trees require significant energy to compartmentalize wounds. If a wound is too large, or if there are multiple large wounds, the tree may be unable to “heal” itself, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Furthermore, open wounds allow moisture to penetrate, leading to internal wood decay and compromising the tree’s structural stability.

Makes tree more dangerous

A topped tree will produce multiple shoots which might make it looks “healthier”. However it is the survival mechanism of the tree, the trees need to draw all the energy to boost themselves. The new shoots are weakly attached to the original trunk/branches, it can break very easily during strong wind, which makes the tree more dangerous.

Damages tree appearance

Tree topping destroy the natural form of a tree and it can never fully restore into natural shape.

Costs more than regular pruning

Tree topping is a short-term fix that leads to long-term costs. The practice requires frequent corrective pruning to manage new hazards, and because it severely weakens the tree, many do not survive—resulting in the significant added expense of removal.

Alternatives to Tree Topping

• Crown reduction works with the tree’s biology. By strategically pruning no more than 25% of the crown back to strong side branches, we can reduce the height and spread without sacrificing the tree’s health or its beautiful, natural shape.
• Tree removal is sometimes the best solution.

Tree Pollarding vs Tree Topping

While tree pollarding is a pruning technique common in Europe, it is often confused with tree topping. Although pollarding can help control size and minimize risk by regularly removing upper branches, it is not universally applicable. Success depends on the tree’s species, age, health, and environment. Tree pollarding is generally more effective in mild, humid climates than in cold or highly variable climates. Because both pollarding and topping significantly alter a tree’s natural form and health, these methods should be discouraged in favor of more natural pruning practices.