Why Topping Trees Still Happens (and Why We Disagree)
Why this topic matters
Tree topping is still requested — and still performed — despite being widely discouraged in modern arboriculture. Homeowners usually request it because they want a smaller, safer tree.
The problem is that topping doesn’t achieve that goal long-term.
What homeowners don’t realize
Topping removes a tree’s natural canopy structure and forces it into survival mode. In response, trees produce rapid regrowth called water shoots or suckers.
These shoots:
- grow quickly
- attach weakly
- fail more easily in wind or ice
The tree often ends up larger again — and weaker than before.
The trade-offs & realities
Why topping still happens:
- it looks “clean” immediately
- it’s faster and cheaper upfront
- some companies don’t explain the consequences
Why we disagree:
- it shortens tree lifespan
- it increases long-term risk
- it leads to repeated, escalating maintenance
How we approach this at Driftwood
When size or clearance is a concern, we focus on:
- structural pruning
- canopy reduction
- phased management over time
In rare cases, topping is discussed only when the goal is habitat retention, not tree health, and expectations are made very clear.
Bottom line
Topping solves a short-term visual problem by creating a long-term structural one.