Tree Lopping – What Is It And Why Should You Avoid It?

Tree Lopping, sometimes referred to as a ‘topping’ is a method of trimming trees that is controversial due to its harmful effects on the health and structure of the tree. It is a practice that can have long-term damage on the tree and should only be carried out by a fully qualified arborist. It is often used to reshape a tree and reduce its size for aesthetic purposes but should be avoided whenever possible due to the fact it causes long term damage.

A professional arborist can perform a range of services to ensure the health and safety of your garden’s trees, including Tree pruning or tree thinning. This is a much more precise process that involves carefully removing dead branches to reduce the risk of structural damage and to promote healthy growth. Tree pruning also involves removing crossing or overgrown branches and thinning out the canopy for visual purposes.

The key difference between a qualified arborist and a tree lopper is that they think about the short-term and long-term impact on the trees they are working on. A tree lopper is a non-certified person who typically only cares about the fee they are getting for their work.

When a tree is lopped, it creates large open wounds at the lateral branches that the tree is unable to close naturally. This leaves the tree exposed to attack from pathogens such as bacteria, fungus and insects that cause disease and decay. This can lead to tree weakness, rot and ultimately death.

Another major problem with tree lopping is that it removes a huge percentage of a tree’s leaf-bearing crown. This reduces the amount of food that a tree produces and can starve it of energy. It can also leave it vulnerable to pest infestation as they are attracted to the open wounds caused by lopping.

Lastly, it is important to note that the use of paints or chemicals on pruning cuts or other wounds can be harmful to the living cells of the tree. This is because these can block the flow of water and nutrients through the tree which again will result in a weakened structure and a higher chance of future issues.

Despite these problems, there are still instances when tree lopping may be necessary such as where the growth of a particular tree is causing harm to property or power lines. It is important to discuss any issues you have with your local tree service professionals so they can provide the best advice and ensure your trees remain a safe distance away from your home and other structures.

from TLC Trees and Co https://ift.tt/ZfYWtJd