Still think topping a tree is okay? Saw the results firsthand last week.

I was called to a job in Austin last Thursday for a oak tree that had been topped about 3 years ago. The new growth was all weak, brittle branches that split in the last storm. The owner said they did it to control the height, but now they got a bigger problem. How is cutting off the whole crown ever a good solution for the tree's health? It just forces rapid, unstable regrowth that costs more later. I told them they should have done a proper reduction cut from the start. Has anyone else seen a topped tree actually turn out fine long term?

2 comments

2 Comments

terryallen7h ago

Nah, sometimes cutting the top is the only way when a tree's already too close to the house.

miab876h ago

I get what you're saying, but I think there's usually a better way than just lopping the top off. Topping a tree can actually make it more dangerous in the long run - it stresses the tree out and makes it grow weak, spindly branches that break easier in a storm. I've seen plenty of trees that got topped and then came back way worse, with branches hanging over the house anyway. A good arborist can prune it smart, thinning it out or even cutting it back to a lateral branch without just hacking the crown off. It takes more work, sure, but it keeps the tree healthy and safer around the house.