What Is Tree Topping?

​WHAT IS TREE TOPPING?

Tree topping is the cutting of tree branches and limbs, to reduce its size. It is usually practiced for lowering the risks that a large tree could impact on its owners and their property. When a tree owner finds it impossible to take care of a tree that has grown out of hand, he/she opts for tree topping. While most of the trees really do need topping, some tree owners just opt for it for making it easier to handle. It is to be noted that tree topping is an indiscriminate practice to the trees and can do more harm than good. People should remember that trees need to grow up to their full potential, and their growth should not be harmed or terminated, lest it poses some serious risks.

ILL EFFECTS OF TREE TOPPING

There are enough myths about tree topping. Some people believe that tree topping is just like a haircut, that it would eventually grow again fully and unharmed. This is actually a misunderstanding. Tree topping results in the cutting of the branches that produce green leaves. And the green leaves are a source of living for trees and removing them would cause them to die of starvation. Gradually pruning your topped tree may help it to survive, but chances are that they would die. Therefore, a professional would prefer to prune the trees, rather than topping them. Some of the harms of tree topping are:

STARVES THE TREES

Tree topping removes almost all of the leaf-bearing branches of the tree. And as it is known well, without leaves trees cannot survive. Leaves are the food factories of every plant and removing them would cause serious deterioration in the tree’s mechanism, and eventually result in its death.

Also, an improperly cut limb can leave stubs with fresh, open wounds. This would be the best place for insects and pests to infest the suffering tree. Infestation can be easily handled by strong and healthy tree, but a tree removed of all its strengths cannot defend itself from the attack.

DECAYS TREES

When a tree is topped, it suffers so many bruises that the tree eventually gives up treating it on its own. This would result in decaying of the tree trunk. And leaving a stub cut improperly, can pave way for faster decay. Some trees are biologically equipped with defending the rotting tissues, but most trees with time, give in.

RISKS OF FALLING

New shoots develop really fast on the edge of the topped trees. Gradually, these shoots develop into branches. But these branches are not exactly anchored like those that were produced with a socket of overlaying tissues before the tree was topped. The new branches develop only on the outer layers of the tree, and hence are not very strong. They pose a greater risk of falling.
​
It is advisable to avoid the practice of tree topping, and instead of it, tree pruning must be practiced. This not only helps your tree to survive, but it also makes it stronger and healthier.

For any questions or if you would like to get a free estimate on any tree service in las vegas call the us at Las Vegas Tree Service.

Las Vegas Tree Trimmers
​5354 Lindell Rd. Apt. 1111
Las Vegas, NV 89118
(702) 793-2711 ​