The Harmful Practice of Tree Topping

Tree topping, often mistaken as a quick fix to control tree size, is one of the most harmful practices in tree care—and yet, it’s still commonly done today. As a professional tree care company, we’ve seen firsthand the long-term damage topping can cause, both to trees and property owners’ wallets.

What is Tree Topping?

Tree topping involves cutting back large branches—often indiscriminately and between natural growth points—with the goal of reducing the tree's height or spread. The result is a tree left with large, stubby limbs sticking out like broken fingers. It’s not just unattractive—it’s dangerous for the tree’s health.

The Damage Caused by Topping

While the goal of topping is often to keep a tree small, the opposite actually happens. In response to the stress, the tree rapidly sends out a flush of weak, vertical shoots known as water sprouts. These sprouts grow four to ten times faster than normal branches and are far more likely to break during storms, posing safety risks.

These fast-growing sprouts also create a cycle of constant maintenance. Once a tree has been topped, it will need to be cut back again and again—costing you more over time and putting the tree under continuous stress.

Beyond rapid regrowth, topping leaves large, open wounds that the tree can’t properly seal. These wounds become an entry point for decay, disease, and pests. Over time, the structural integrity of the tree declines, and in many cases, it will eventually die.

There’s a Better Way

Proper pruning, when done by a certified arborist, takes time, knowledge, and precision. It involves selective cuts that enhance the tree’s natural shape and support healthy growth while keeping size and safety in check.

Just as importantly, planting the right tree in the right place helps avoid future conflicts with power lines, buildings, or views—eliminating the perceived need for drastic pruning.

If your tree has outgrown its space or is causing concerns, contact a professional before resorting to drastic measures. Topping is never the answer—responsible pruning is.