When you have a tree on your property that needs maintenance, topping it may seem like the best option. However, tree experts frown upon topping a tree for various reasons. In fact, most tree professionals agree that topping a tree should only happen as a last resort.
Let’s look more closely at tree topping and why experts advise against this practice. Instead of topping your tree, rely on Magnolia’s tree service professionals from Nature’s Tree Removal.
What Is Topping?
Topping a tree means cutting off the tree’s main trunk along all its major branches. This cut can remove as much as 50-100% of the tree canopy, depending on the degree of damage. In most cases, topping leaves you with an unsightly, unhealthy tree on your property.
Topping Can Stress the Tree
Topping reduces the tree to a vulnerable state, making it more susceptible to various problems. Topping removes a large amount of the tree’s foliage, which is how the tree produces food for itself. Therefore, foliage removal can cause the tree to go into shock, which can be fatal.
Topping Can Lead to Decay
Potential decay is another reason experts discourage topping a tree. Topping a tree involves cutting the branches and trunk at an angle. This laceration leaves the tree highly vulnerable to decay, as water sprouts and pests can enter the tree through the cuts.
Topping Causes Starvation
As mentioned earlier, topping a tree removes a large amount of the tree’s foliage. This foliage loss can starve the tree as it can no longer produce the food it needs to survive.
Topping Leads to Risk of Storm Damage
Topped trees are also more likely to suffer storm damage. Because topping destabilizes the tree, the tree has a higher risk of falling from air circulation.
Topping Leads to Hazards and Liabilities
Topping a tree makes a tree more prone to falling. As a result, your topped tree poses many potential dangers to you, your property, and your neighbors.
Moreover, if a passerby gets injured because of your topped tree, you’re liable for any damages. Even worse, it’s not uncommon for falling trees to cause fatalities.
What to Do Instead of Topping a Tree
You can explore several different options to maintain your tree without topping it. First of all, you can let your tree grow. Depending on the species of tree, topping or pruning it may not even be necessary.
If you’re not sure whether your tree needs maintenance, consult with a professional. Furthermore, hire a professional tree service to come and prune your trees for you. This service will ensure the correct job and reduces the likelihood of needing to top one of your trees.
In conclusion, topping a tree is an ill-advised idea. This type of pruning only applies to trees with the most severe damage. Topping can stress a tree, lead to decay, cause tree starvation, and increase the risk of storm damage.
Fortunately, you can choose from numerous options if you need to restore a damaged tree. Cabling and bracing are among the recommended techniques to support a damaged tree. Learn more about tree cabling and bracing services and how they can keep your trees healthy and strong.
In the rare event that topping a tree is necessary, only a professional should perform the job. At Nature’s Tree Removal of Houston, our tree experts can safely and effectively top your tree with proper pruning.
We’re happy to provide the best tree topping services in the Houston, TX, area. Contact us at (713) 824-9036 today for a free estimate!
