“Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice.” (treesaregood.com) What exactly is tree topping and why is it harmful to trees? “This pruning practice is the reduction of tree size by heading back many or most large, live branches without regard for tree health or structural integrity. Topping manages height and spread but leaves behind woody stubs that cause decay, weak branch attachments, and increased likelihood of failure.” (Purdue University) There are a variety of reasons why a topping a tree can cause irreparable damage. Topping can (Treesaregood.com):

Cause trees stress
Lead to sunburn
Lead to decay
Cause unacceptable risk
Makes trees ugly

There is a vast difference between topping and professional pruning. “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.” (Illinois.gov)

Browning Tree Service employs Joshua Browning ISA certified arborist license #KY-9849A who is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

References:

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-faq-14-w.pdf

https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Why%20Topping%20Hurts_0321.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/Forestry/UrbanForestry/Documents/Tree%20Topping.pdf