The Mistake of Tree Topping
By Kay DiVerde
Topping trees is one sure way to destroy the natural shape, and make your tree weak and unhealthy. This technique brings latent buds to life, which starts multiple weak shoots growing below each cut. Better options for shaping a tree include thinning and pollarding.
Topping trees is a common mistake homeowners make when pruning. When you top a tree, you are cutting back branches to random stubs or to small lateral branches. This type of pruning can cause many problems. When stubs are left on branches (instead of cutting them back to the main trunk), decay often develops. The area cut is prone to sunburn, due to lack of leaf coverage. Water sprouts easily develop with these incorrect cuts instead of healthy, new growth. This type of pruning is also very stressful on the tree because it causes a loss of foliage and tissue.
There is Hope
Cutting only parts of branches off (instead of cutting back to the main trunk) activates the latent buds and encourages the growth of multiple weak shoots below the cut. These new shoots are general weak shoots and tend to grow quickly, and will require more pruning to maintain them.
Can you repair a tree that has been topped? Yes, there is hope. Remove some of the water sprouts. Where possible, cut back stubs (that were only partial branch cuts) back to the main trunk (always make your cuts just outside the swollen branch collar-not flush with the trunk). In time, your tree should regain its natural shape.
Pollarding is the Answer
An alternative pruning method to topping trees is pollarding. This technique is popular in Europe. In this method, you cut the branches back to the main branch each year. This type of pruning will create a thick tuft of small branches. It also maintains a consistent height of the tree. Another option to topping trees is to thin out the upper portion of the tree to let in light and air. This is a better pruning option to help avoid fungal diseases from developing on fast-growing trees.
No matter which pruning method you choose, always use quality tools with sharp blades. Sharp blades provide the cleanest cuts that heal the fastest.
Do It Right, Before It's Too Late!
The next time you are tempted to just take a chain saw to your tree and make a flat cut along the top, think again. This method of simply topping off your tree will cause latent buds to come back to life and grow into weak growth. Choose another pruning method, such as pollarding or thinning to make healthier cuts to enhance the shape of your tree.
Kay DiVerde is a freelance writer, horticultural researcher and consultant for Orchard's Edge. DiVerde also writes for a variety of newsletters and publications in the Midwest.
