Tree Topping


The practice of tree topping is one of the most widely debated exercise. Those who believe that it is the best and the most appropriate way to trim trees, are pitted against the environmentalists, who believe that the trees are harmed and the practice must be suspended and the offenders should be punished. Here is a complete account of all you need to know about this activity.

Tree Topping Explained

Tree topping is defined as the practice of getting rid of large branches and trunks from the part close to the summit of a tree's canopy. It is nothing but an arbitrary removal of all parts of the tree beyond a certain threshold height ignoring the structure or growth pattern of a tree. On the contrary, pruning involves only selective removal of a few limbs, considering the structure and growth pattern of the tree.

These days, several new tree topping techniques are being used all over the world. All these ways are very harmful for the trees for a variety of practical and aesthetic reasons. It has been established that topping of trees can cause a variety of problems in trees, which can be ultimately problematic for homeowners i.e. those responsible for culling these trees.

Why Do It?

People have quoted many reasons for resorting to tree topping. Most of these reasons are myths that make them take such nasty decisions. Here are some of the reasons (read myths) that make people go for topping.
  • Obstruction to Power Lines: This is probably the most common reason why tree topping is done. Trees are often planted on road sides and that is exactly where we humans like to lay our power lines. A conflict is inevitable, as trees should ideally not touch the power lines as they are good conductors of electricity which can cause power loss. But this can be resolved by planting proper species or better placement of trees or power lines. Topping for power line clearance will only benefit the lines, but will be fatal for the trees.
  • Tree Grows Too Tall: If a tree is growing taller than you want to, then it is not the tree which is at fault. This points to your poor selection of species or improper tree planting.
  • Topping will Reduce the Effect of Storm: We humans need not worry the effects of storm on a tree. Large trees are inherently resistant to storms. If the tree is topped, there is reduction in height, which may reduce the risk temporarily. But as the tree regrows it loses its structural strength and the risk is elevated.
What are the Consequences?

There are many ways in which a tree is affected, when it is topped. Here are the few most commonly observed ill-effects:
  • Tree topping equipment destroy the balance between the roots and the upper branches of a tree. If too many branches and leaves are culled during the process, trees can starve.
  • Regrowing trees have weaker branches and this creates a storm hazard. Storms can damage the tree further, as the new growth is weakly attached.
  • Bark tissues suddenly exposed to the sun may burn, causing sun scald, and develop disease cankers.
  • Stubs get separated from food and water supply as tissues die. This hampers the healing of wounds and a decay may spread to the trunk.
  • Topping causes disfiguring of trees by altering their natural beauty and form.
How to Avoid?

It is important to avoid tree topping at all costs. Proper selection of the right tree and planting it in the right place is step in this direction. Avoid laying of power lines and other hazards in a way that will obstruct a tree's growth. If lines cannot be relocated, carefully remove the whole tree and relocate it. Proper pruning of trees can be adopted. This involves removal of the limbs from wherever they are attached to the trunk. This method of selective removal of limbs drastically reduces the wind resistance of the tree and allows some light to get to the tree crown thereby improving the shape and balance of the crown.

So, we should pledge to discourage the practice of tree topping. It can cause a lot of damage to the tree by causing decay, storm damage, and disfiguring trees. Instead we can imply proper pruning technique which is the best practice for the long term health of trees.

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