The Dangers of Tree Topping
Tree topping is the cutting of tree branches or limbs in order to reduce the mass of
the tree. Oftentimes this is done by property owners who feel a tree is too
large for the property to contain. A risk of falling or destruction typically
fuels the property owners reasoning to cut the tree. However, topping is known
to increase the very risks that its users seek to prevent. Topping tends to
remove anywhere from 40% to 100% of the crown. This is dangerous because this
is where the leaves (the trees main food) are produced. By cutting the crown or
tree topping can force the tree into a state of starvation. In these cases, the
tree will enact survival coping systems and attempt to quickly regrow its
limbs.
In some cases, the tree can survive by using its stored energy to regrow these lost limbs. But sadly, a tree without the stored energy will immediately begin to die. These trees are stressed and will be no match for invading insects and diseases. The lack of energy means that the tree cannot produce chemicals to fend off the pests. Topping is proven to increase the amount of decay within a trees crown. Normally, a tree will stop decay in its path, which is where pruning comes in. A recently topped tree will not have the energy or ability to stop decay in its
path. Instead the decay will be put on full blast spreading to the entire
crown.