When a tree reaches a dangerous height—or interferes with a structure or other trees—many property owners have it topped. Tree topping, also known as “rounding over” or “rounding the crown,” refers to trimming branches without regard for a tree’s health or structural integrity. While doing so may reduce a tree’s size, it also creates branch stubs that can decay, fall off, and increase the risk of tree death. For an experienced tree trimming service, reach out to Timber Works Tree Care.
The Timber Works team aims to provide high-quality, affordable tree services to our customers in Gainesville, VA, and beyond. We prioritize safety, professionalism, and quality of work while delivering outstanding customer service. Plus, we cover all our team members with Workers’ Comp and liability insurance to protect our crew members and customers. Let us exceed your expectations with our positive attitude and hard work ethic! For tree trimming services and much more, contact us today at (540) 692-9606.
Below, we explain further why topping harms trees and suggest some alternatives to this practice:
Why Topping Harms Trees
Over the years, we’ve spoken to many property owners who worry that strong winds will damage the large branches on their trees. However, as we’ve explained to them, strong trees that receive proper pruning are much less likely to cause damage than topped trees.
Topping jeopardizes trees’ health and safety by reducing their capacity to photosynthesize and sustain themselves. Furthermore, topping opens wounds that require energy to heal, which harms the trees’ ability to develop and upsets their structural integrity.
Young trees are more likely to perish from topping wounds, which affect their trunks. Chopped stubs can decay and crack, or sudden and intense sun exposure can harm the trunk and branches. These effects increase the risks of storm damage, insect and disease infestations, and the tree’s death.
If topping does not kill a tree, the affected branches usually regrow to their previous height within a year or two, negating your topping efforts (though regrowth can’t overcome the loss of structural integrity). Yet proper, routine trimming supports healthy tree growth while also requiring less frequent work than topping.
Alternatives to Topping
Healthy alternatives to tree topping include:
- Replacing a troublesome tree with a more convenient one. Ask a Timber Works arborist which tree species require regular pruning and which require less care.
- Keep the mature height of the tree in mind when choosing a tree. Plant shorter trees beside your home, under utility wires, and close to other obstacles.
- Keep an eye on every tree’s development. Reduce and redirect growth before branches get too big and cause serious structural issues.
- Employ the services of an ISA and TCIA Certified Arborist who follows the ANSI A300 pruning standards. Ask them to trim your trees in such a way to contain their sizes.
Timber Works Tree Care: Preferred Tree Trimming Service in Gainesville, VA
Providing services from fruit tree pruning to emergency tree removal, Timber Works Tree Care is a dedicated tree trimming service that serves clients in Gainsville, VA. Since our company has Workers’ Comp and liability insurance, we guarantee not only supportive tree services but also protection in the event of an accident or property damage. For a free estimate, call (540) 692-9606 or visit our website today!
