The Importance of Professional Tree Pruning vs Tree Topping

Proper care of your trees plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe, attractive, and thriving landscape. When it comes to managing tree growth, professional tree pruning stands out as the best practice, supported by industry standards and expert guidelines. On the other hand, tree topping remains a common but harmful practice that can severely damage trees and reduce their lifespan. This post explains the differences between professional pruning and topping, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. It also covers cost, schedule, technical difficulty, aesthetics, and tree health, drawing on recommendations from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), ANSI standards, and other expert sources.

What Is Professional Structural Tree Pruning?

Professional structural tree pruning involves selectively removing branches to improve tree structure, health, and safety. This method follows guidelines set by the ISA and ANSI A300 pruning standards, which emphasize:

• Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches

• Thinning crowded areas to increase light and air penetration

• Maintaining natural tree form and growth patterns

• Making clean cuts at branch collars to promote healing

  
  

The goal is to support the tree’s long-term health and stability while enhancing its appearance. Pruning is done with care to avoid unnecessary stress or damage.

Key Benefits of Professional Pruning

• Improved tree health: Removing unhealthy branches reduces disease risk and pest infestations.

• Enhanced safety: Eliminating weak or hazardous limbs prevents property damage and injury.

• Better aesthetics: Pruning maintains the tree’s natural shape and beauty.

• Longer lifespan: Proper pruning encourages strong branch development and reduces decay.

• Increased property value: Healthy, well-maintained trees add curb appeal.

Generalized example of tree pruning approaches (Image from Reference 1)

What Is Tree Topping and Why Is It Harmful?

Tree topping, sometimes called "heading" or "tipping," involves cutting large branches or the main trunk back to stubs or lateral branches that are too small to assume the role of a terminal leader. This practice is often done to reduce tree size quickly or to avoid power lines but is not recommended by any professional arborist organization.

Topping is not recommended by any professional arboriculture organization (Image from Reference 2)

Why Tree Topping Is Problematic

• Weak regrowth: Topping stimulates rapid sprouting of weakly attached shoots prone to breaking.

• Increased decay: Large wounds from topping cuts invite decay and disease.

• Reduced tree health: Removing too much foliage stresses the tree, reducing its ability to photosynthesize.

• Poor appearance: Topped trees look unnatural and unsightly.

• Shortened lifespan: Trees often decline rapidly after topping and may die prematurely.

  
  

Comparing Professional Pruning and Tree Topping

Aspect	Professional Pruning	Tree Topping
Cost	Moderate, depends on tree size and complexity	Initially lower but can lead to costly repairs and removals
Schedule	Scheduled regularly every 3-5 years	Often done as a quick fix, repeated frequently
Technical Difficulty	Requires trained arborists following standards	Simple cuts, often done by untrained individuals
Aesthetics	Maintains natural shape and beauty	Creates unnatural, unsightly stubs and sprouts
Short-Term Tree Health	Supports health by removing problem branches	Causes stress and vulnerability to pests and disease
Long-Term Tree Health	Promotes strong growth and longevity	Leads to decay, weak regrowth, and early death

Why Choose Professional Tree Pruning

Professional pruning is an investment in your trees and property. It requires knowledge of tree biology, proper tools, and adherence to industry standards such as those from the ISA and ANSI A300. Trained arborists understand how to prune without harming the tree, ensuring cuts heal properly and the tree remains structurally sound.

For example, ISA recommends pruning young trees to develop strong branch structure and removing crossing or rubbing branches to prevent wounds. ANSI A300 standards provide detailed procedures for pruning cuts, timing, and safety.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

• Avoid topping your trees to reduce size or shape.

• Hire arborists who follow ISA and ANSI standards.

• Schedule pruning during the tree’s dormant season for best results.

• Focus on structural pruning for young trees to prevent future problems.

• Remove dead or hazardous branches promptly.

• Ask your tree service provider for a pruning plan tailored to your tree species and property.

  
  

Trees are living assets that require proper care to thrive. Choosing professional tree pruning over topping protects your investment, enhances your landscape, and supports the environment.

If you want to keep your trees healthy and beautiful, contact Antrim Tree Service for expert pruning services. Our arborists follow industry best practices to care for your trees safely and effectively.

References

1. https://cuttingedgetreeprofessionals.com/services/tree-pruning/

2. https://medium.com/@laurenglenwood/save-our-neighborhood-trees-how-to-prune-or-choose-your-pruner-wisely-and-make-sure-your-a960b2d46173

3. American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices. ANSI A300.

4. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). 1995. Tree Pruning Guidelines . Savoy, IL: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

5. https://www.antrimts.com/post/the-importance-of-professional-tree-pruning-vs-tree-topping-a-guide-to-healthy-trees