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.
Tree
Topping vs. Tree Pruning: No Contest Myth:
Topping
a tree will reduce storm damage and make the tree easier to maintain. Myth:
Topping invigorates a tree. Myth:
Topped
trees will add value to your property. Call Cruce Tree Service ToDay!
Tree
topping should never be confused with proper pruning. A topped tree is easy
to spot - the tree's natural shape has been destroyed, while a properly
pruned tree often looks as if no work has been done at all. With proper
pruning, an arborist will spend time carefully selecting and removing branches.
Careful selective pruning retains the tree's natural shape and beauty.
Proper pruning is an important part of caring for - and protecting - the
health of your trees. In fact, many tree care professionals recommend that
homeowners start early and continue proper pruning throughout the life of
a tree.
People
top trees for many reasons, all of them connected to falsehoods and misconceptions.
Truth: Topped
trees can regain their original height in as fast as 2 years. The fast
growing, extremely long and loosely attached shoots caused by topping
may be more susceptible to breakage and storm damage. Ultimately, a topped
tree requires more attention in the future than a properly pruned tree.
Truth: Topping
immediately injures a tree and starts it on a downward spiral. Topping
wounds expose a tree to decay and invasion from insects and disease. Also,
the loss of foliage starves the tree, which weakens the roots, reducing
the tree's structural strength. While a tree may survive topping, its
life span will be significantly reduced.
Truth: Topped
trees lack natural beauty and may reduce your property values. Also, a
topped tree can become hazardous and cause property damage, making it
a liability.
Hire only competent, tree care professionals.