Greg Grant

The annual practice of butchering trees is in full swing.

Tree topping, the practice of cutting large branches back to stubs, is often mistakenly employed by homeowners aiming to reduce tree size or eliminate perceived hazards. However, this method inflicts significant harm on trees and is universally discouraged by arboriculture experts.

Topping involves the drastic removal of a tree’s upper branches, leaving behind large, unsightly stubs. This practice is sometimes referred to as “heading,” “stubbing,” “dehorning,” or in the case of crapemyrtles, “crape murder.” While some believe that topping reduces the risk of falling branches or controls tree height, it actually undermines the tree’s health and structural integrity in the following ways:

Stress and Vulnerability: Removing a significant portion of a tree’s canopy disrupts its ability to photosynthesize, leading to energy depletion. This stress makes the tree more susceptible to diseases, insect infestations, and environmental challenges.

Weak Regrowth: In response to topping, a tree rapidly produces numerous shoots, known as water sprouts, near the cut sites. These shoots are weakly attached and prone to breaking, especially during storms, creating new hazards.

Decay and Disease: Large topping cuts provide entry points for decay organisms. Unlike natural branch removal, these cuts often fail to heal properly, leading to internal decay that compromises the tree’s structural soundness.

Aesthetic and Property Value Decline: Topped trees lose their natural form, resulting in an unnatural and unsightly appearance. This disfigurement can diminish the overall landscape appeal and potentially reduce property values.

Instead of topping, consider the following best practices for maintaining tree health and safety:

Crown Thinning: Selective removal of branches (including all dead ones) to improve light penetration and air circulation, reducing wind resistance and promoting healthy growth.

Crown Raising: Removing lower branches to provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, or structures.

Crown Reduction: Reducing the height or spread of a tree by pruning back to lateral branches that are at least one-third the diameter of the branch being removed, maintaining the tree’s natural shape.

Engaging a certified arborist (isatexas.com) ensures that pruning is conducted correctly, preserving the tree’s health and structural integrity. To avoid future issues that might tempt one to top a tree, make sure to practice the following:

Right Tree, Right Place: Select species appropriate for the specific location, considering their mature size and growth habits to prevent interference with power lines or structures.

Regular Maintenance: Routine inspections and proper pruning from a young age (including eliminating forked trunks) can prevent structural problems and reduce the need for drastic measures later.

While topping might seem like a quick fix for controlling tree size or mitigating hazards, it ultimately causes more harm than good. Embracing proper tree care practices not only enhances the beauty and safety of your landscape but also ensures the longevity and health of your trees.