Tree Topping: What It Is, Why It's Bad And How To Prevent It
WHAT IT IS
Tree topping is expensive, mutilating and obsolete. Yet it still occurs widely throughout the Midwest.
WHY IT'S BAD
Myth and lack of public understanding about proper tree care are two major reasons why people pay to have their trees destroyed each year.
What is Tree Topping?
Tree topping is the drastic removal, or cutting back, of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds which subject the tree to disease and decay. Topping causes immediate injury to the tree and ultimately results in early failure or death of the tree.
Other names for this malpractice include stubbing, heading, heading-back, stubbing-off, tipping hatracking, topping off, dehorning, lopping, or roundover.
In short, topping - by any name - is the worst thing to do to the health of a tree.
Tree
Topping vs. Tree Pruning: No Contest
Tree
topping should never be confused with proper pruning. A topped tree is easy
to spot - the tree's natural shape has been destroyed, while a properly
pruned tree often looks as if no work has been done at all. With proper
pruning, an arborist will spend time carefully selecting and removing branches.
Careful selective pruning retains the tree's natural shape and beauty.
Proper pruning is an important part of caring for - and protecting - the
health of your trees. In fact, many tree care professionals recommend that
homeowners start early and continue proper pruning throughout the life of
a tree.
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| Year 1: The topped tree (left) is an ugly stub. The pruned tree's (right) size was reduced, but its form and beauty retained. | Year 3: Fast growing sprouts have sprung from the topped tree (left) in large numbers. The pruned tree (right) adds growth more slowly and naturally. | Year 6: The topped tree (left) is taller and bushier than ever. The properly pruned tree (right) is safer, more beautiful and its size is better contolled. |
People top trees for many reasons, all of them connected to falsehoods and misconceptions.
Myth: Topping
a tree will reduce storm damage and make the tree easier to maintain.
Truth: Topped
trees can regain their original height in as fast as 2 years. The fast
growing, extremely long and loosely attached shoots caused by topping
may be more susceptible to breakage and storm damage. Ultimately, a topped
tree requires more attention in the future than a properly pruned tree.
Myth: Topping invigorates a tree.
Truth: Topping
immediately injures a tree and starts it on a downward spiral. Topping
wounds expose a tree to decay and invasion from insects and disease. Also,
the loss of foliage starves the tree, which weakens the roots, reducing
the tree's structural strength. While a tree may survive topping, its
life span will be significantly reduced.
Myth: Topped
trees will add value to your property.
Truth: Topped
trees lack natural beauty and may reduce your property values. Also, a
topped tree can become hazardous and cause property damage, making it
a liability
How to Prevent It
As
a homeowner, you must educate yourself and make wise choices to protect
your home and property - including your trees. A tree is a valuable asset.
As a long-term investment, trees require careful decisions and the occasional
advice and service of a professional. Here's what you can do to protect
your trees:
Hire only competent, insured and certified tree care professionals.
When seeking a tree service, check the company's topping policy. If they say top, don't let them near your trees.
Find out if the individual or company carries professional certification, particularly through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The ISA conducts extensive course and certifies those that pass an industry-based exam.
Most importantly, never let yourself be pressured by bargains. The old saying, "you get what you pay for" truly applies here.
An
Ounce of Prevention: Right Tree, Right Place
Every
species of tree has different height, width and spacing needs in order
to grown into a healthy mature tree. Carefully matching your tree selection
with site conditions - proximity to other trees, buildings or above ground
utilities - can prevent problems before they occur and will eliminate
the need to take harmful, drastic measures. Many utility companies and
forestry agencies provide guidelines for planting trees and recommendations
of tree species to fit your needs. Trees are a long-term investment. You
have the ability - and the responsibility - to prevent future problems
by applying the practice of "the right tree in the right place."
Information
Resources
For
more information about caring for your trees, and brochures that explain
in greater detail about proper tree pruning and tree selection, contact
the organizations below.
Arbor Day Foundation can provide information about tree planting and proper
pruning:
100
Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 474-5655
http://www.arborday.org
International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA) can provide information about professional
certification and standards:
http://www.isa-arbor.com
Email: isa@isa-arbor.com