Crown reduction is a necessary part of tree services. Tree pruning is needed to keep trees strong, healthy, and attractive, but is topping trees bad? By not using the proper tree trimming technique, you can extremely damage the health of the tree. If you don’t hire an experienced tree cutting service, improper pruning could lead to topping off trees. Tree topping is when the tree’s main trunk and the primary limbs are cut to the same height. Not only does tree topping ruin the shape of the tree, but a topped tree is also at risk of decaying and subsequently dying. Here’s what you should know about the issues associated with a topped tree.
A Topped Tree is in Danger
The biggest concern associated with tree topping is that it limits the tree’s ability to make food. Trees use their leaves to collect the nutrients they need, and the larger the leaf surface, the easier it becomes for the tree to make food. Tree topping drastically reduces the number of leaves, and the tree struggles to survive. While the tree gradually starves from cutting the tall tree branches from the tree, it will also be subject to attacks from insects and fungal growth.
Topping the tall tree branches creates large, open wounds that leave the tree vulnerable at an already-weakened state. Once a tree has been topped, the chances of surviving the tree topping and regaining its healthy shape are extremely low. A topped tree could be the death knell for a once majestic and healthy tree. Is topping trees bad? Yes, it can be very bad if it’s not done correctly.
Proper Pruning Is the Answer
So how to cut branches from a tall tree? When tall tree branches grow unmanageable or if the tree needs to be reshaped, a Decatur tree cutting service should practice a pruning method referred to as drop-crotching. Unlike topping a tree, drop-crotching maintains the tree’s shape, cutting tall tree branches while reducing the size of the tree. High branches are cut laterally, and outside branches are trimmed at a 45 to 60-degree angle. The central stem is cut back to a thick secondary branch, and lateral limbs are trimmed to join larger side branches. The benefit of tree pruning is that the process essentially thins the tree while stimulating new growth in the desired direction.
Remember Topping Trees is a Bad Move
Now that we have answered the question, “Is topping trees bad?” what will you do with your trees? Once you top a tree, it’ll take more effort and time to reverse the damage. It’ll likely be several years before the tree retakes a normal shape, and the trunk’s damage may never heal. Resist the temptation to learn how to top a tree, and call for a professional tree trimming company at 678-916-6010 or email us at info@toptreeservicescompany.com to schedule a free tree assessment right away.