Tree topping is the drastic removal, or cutting back, of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds which subject the tree to disease and decay.  Topping causes immediate injury to the tree and ultimately results in early failure or death of the tree.

Other names for this malpractice include stubbing, heading, heading-back, stubbing-off, tipping, hatracking, topping-off, dehorning, lopping, or roundover.

In short, topping- by any name- is the worst thing to do to the health of a tree.

Crown Reduction, on the other hand, can be done without harm to the tree; and should be done by a professional Certified Arborist trained in Crown Reduction.

Taken from the brochure- “Don’t Top Your Tree” from the ISA.

For more info visit www.isa-arbor.com.