03/21/2025
The Myth of Tree Topping:
"It’s like a haircut – sometimes it’s necessary and a tree can always grow out of a bad one"
The Myth
Since plant scientists and arborists unanimously agree that tree topping is an unjustifiable tree management practice, I assumed that the word had trickled down to practitioners and their customers. Yet this summer, like every year before, brought a new crop of buzz-cut trees. It also brought a new crop of excuses (culled
from the internet):
• “I want to trim the top branches off a 75' tall maple because it’s causing excess shade in my yard.
I want the tree to live, but just be smaller.”
• “I wouldn't make the sweeping generalization that all tree topping is bad…Locals here whack their weeping willows every few years and those trees seem to relish the opportunity to fill out again.”
• “It is necessary for the electric company to top trees that grow into the power lines.”
• “The trees look like hell for a while but seem to get used to the treatment.”
The Bottom Line
• Tree topping is never a justifiable pruning practice; it increases tree health problems and is aesthetically unappealing
• A topped tree will require constant maintenance and has an increased potential to become hazardous
• Hazardous trees are a liability and ultimately the property owner is responsible for any damage
hazard trees cause
• Certified arborists and other legitimate landscape professionals do not practice tree topping
• There are acceptable pruning techniques designed to keep trees away from power lines and other structures
• If problems caused by a tree cannot be solved through acceptable management practices, the tree should be removed and replaced with plant material more appropriate for the site
• Think about the mature size of a tree and where it will grow relative to power lines and other structures before you plant it
https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/wp-puyallup/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/tree-topping.pdf
via Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., Extension Horticulturist and Associate Professor,
Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University
Image via nfs.unl.edu
