What’s the difference between topping a tree vs. crown reduction? These are two very different practices, so it helps to understand their impacts.
As the go-to crew for quality tree services in Charlotte Hall, MD, we at Hernandez Complete Tree Service help keep living landscapes healthy and thriving. Learn more about canopy management strategies here.
The Basics of Pruning
Topping and crown reduction are essentially specialized methods of selective pruning, the practice of strategically trimming off certain tree branches to achieve the following goals:
- Improving the specimen’s overall structure and stability
- Enhancing light penetration and air circulation to discourage infestations and infections
- Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches that waste energy
- Reducing the risk of falling limbs
- Maintaining an aesthetically pleasing shape
What Is Tree Topping?
Tree topping, also known as hat-racking or rounding over, is an aggressive technique where you remove most of a specimen’s crown, leaving only lateral branches and stumps.
The Pros
This route should only ever serve as a last resort for cases where most of a tree’s branches are at risk of snapping off and falling (think severe forms of damage after a natural disaster or major accident).
The practice may also help specimens that lean too far to one side and will inevitably topple over without drastic action.
The Cons
When deciding between topping a tree vs. crown reduction, we can’t stress enough how the former tends to do more harm than good. Many professional arborists advise against it, and it’s even illegal in some cities.
Every tree needs foliage to produce food, so when you remove its entire canopy, it would need to tap into its stored energy reserves. The leftover wounds heal more slowly, and the specimen becomes more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
In the rare chance your tree survives this process, it would only sprout spindly lateral branches and lose its natural, attractive growth patterns.
What Is a Crown Reduction?
Crown reductions involve trimming around 20% to 25% of a tree’s foliage while preserving its overall shape. Arborists only trim down the primary lateral growth for faster wound healing. Many also prefer to focus on the uppermost portion of the canopy to decrease overall height and create a more stable structure.
The process takes more time and requires careful planning, but you get healthier trees with balanced shapes.
The Pros
Experts recommend crown reductions for safety. For example, a tree’s branches might grow directly above your home’s roofing or a high-traffic pathway. You may want to address them before they break off during a storm.
When comparing topping a tree vs. crown reduction, the latter also has a unique benefit for fruiting varieties. Excessive buds and branches will compete with fruits for energy and space. Strategic trimming helps your specimen produce more fruit with more sugar content and even ripening.
The Cons
Crown reductions are a complex task you should leave to specialists. Make the wrong cuts, and you risk ruining a tree’s long-term vigor and structural integrity. Excessive trimming may also create a stress response where the plant goes into hibernation.
Premier Tree Pruning Work in Charlotte Hall
If you’re deciding between topping a tree vs. crown reduction for your particular situation, it never hurts to get a professional opinion. Improper pruning will have long-term consequences that are difficult to correct. It’s always best to leave it to someone with experience.
At Hernandez Complete Tree Service, we can help you balance aesthetics with tree health, guaranteeing your greenery thrives for years to come. Call 240-299-4639 or read our blog post on understanding crown reduction techniques.
