If your tree has grown too full or top-heavy, you might worry about it falling during a storm or extending over your roof or power lines. Reducing some of the crown can help improve the tree's safety, and there are several methods of doing so.
Tree topping and crown reduction both involve removing a portion of the tree's canopy, but these are very different practices with distinct implications for your tree's health. Discover the differences between the two from ArborForce Tree Services, offering professional tree services in Alpharetta, GA.
What Is Tree Topping?
Tree topping is an aggressive and destructive technique that involves removing the majority of the large branches from the top of the tree, leaving only the lateral branches intact. It is sometimes referred to as "hat racking," as at the end of the job, the tree resembles a hat rack with only stub-like upper branches remaining.
While this is a fast way to reduce the tree's upper weight, it can significantly harm the tree and should be avoided in most cases. Typically, arborists only recommend tree topping if a tree has endured significant storm damage and no other options are available to help the tree survive.
What Is Crown Reduction?
Crown reduction, also known as crown thinning, is another tree pruning technique that can help reduce a tree's weight. It involves strategically removing some of the foliage without significantly altering the tree's shape.
This is the method professional arborists typically use to control a tree's size and branch extension for safety purposes while leaving the crown largely unharmed. Arborists make controlled cuts near the tree's first lateral growth to promote faster wound healing.
Crown reduction offers several benefits for maintaining tree health, such as reducing weight on struggling branches and removing dead limbs. This is often an important regular tree service for mature trees with large crowns.
Important Differences Between Tree Topping vs. Crown Reduction
While tree topping and crown reduction both reduce the tree's canopy, the latter is much less hazardous. These are the main differences between the two practices:
- Percentage of canopy reduction: Tree topping removes a significant amount of canopy, while crown reduction removes no more than 25% at a time to reduce stress on the tree.
- Types of cuts: Crown reduction involves strategic cuts that leave smaller wounds for faster healing. Tree topping often involves haphazard cuts that injure the tree.
- Speed of results: Tree topping is technically a faster way to remove excess weight from the tree's canopy, but it can impact the structural integrity in turn. Crown reduction involves removing less canopy at a time while supporting the tree's health.
Turn to ArborForce Tree Services for Proper Tree Care
Now that you know the differences between tree topping vs. crown reduction, you can avoid harsh techniques that put your tree's health at risk. Whether you are wondering about tree pruning techniques or comparisons of DIY and professional tree pruning, ArborForce Tree Services is here to answer your questions and provide professional service. Request a quote for tree service in Alpharatta, GA, by calling 470-319-6625.