Topping is for ice cream, not trees - Experts say topping is "outlawed" by national tree care standards

FALLBROOK – The term “tree topping” refers to the removal of main tree branches to stubs in either a straight-across hedge fashion or a complete de-limbing of the tree, leaving only the main trunk or trunks of a tree. It’s important for property owners and renters to understand what is fiction and what is fact about this practice.

Fiction: “Topping rejuvenates the tree”

Fact: Tree topping usually removes so much of the tree’s crown that it can unbalance an older tree’s root-to-shoot ratio and temporarily cut off its ability to make food. When trees are topped, they will typically respond...