Many tree care experts, including the National Association of State Foresters, advise people against “topping” trees. Even though it was once a popular practice, tree topping has fallen out of favor among professional tree services.
Still, some people continue to carry out this tradition. In Colorado, for example, where about 30% of the land is covered by trees, tree topping remains common.
So, will a topped tree grow back? You might wonder this if you’ve had a tree on your property topped. Get the answer below and contact a tree trimming company in Centennial, CO, to help save it.
What Is Tree Topping?
Some cities have established tree-trimming regulations to stop people from topping trees. However, one of the reasons it has been difficult to get people to stop doing it is because of how long the practice has been around.
Tree topping got its start in the early 1900s when loggers in the Pacific Northwest topped trees to make them more manageable during tree removal. It eventually spread to other parts of the country, with people topping trees with the best intentions.
Topping trees involved removing their biggest branches, including those near the “crown” of a tree. The thought was that topping trees would allow them to grow back stronger without getting too tall or wide.
Will a Topped Tree Grow Back?
In some instances, the answer to the question, “Will a topped tree grow back?” is “yes.” If a tree is located in a place where it won’t get inundated with sunlight or moisture, it can grow back after topping.
Generally speaking, topping a tree isn’t considered the best tree care practice in Centennial, CO. It can damage a tree by:
- Creating wounds in its trunk and leaving it susceptible to diseases and pests
- Starving it by making it difficult to grow new leaves
- Leaving it top-heavy and increasing the chances of it toppling over in windy conditions
Too many risks exist for those who top trees. This explains why tree topping has been banned in much of the country.
What Can You Do To Save a Topped Tree?
Saving a topped tree isn’t easy, but breathing new life back into one is possible. You can do it by:
- Ensuring the tree gets enough water
- Steering clear of pruning the tree for at least a year
- Giving the tree several years to fully recover
You should also reach out to a trusted tree health care service in Centennial, CO, for help with topped trees. They can create strategies to save them based on the conditions they face.
Need Help With a Topped Tree? Call Us
The answer to the question, “Will a topped tree grow back?” is typically “It depends.” Hiring a top-notch tree and stump removal company in Centennial, CO, like Bear Creek Tree Service can enable you to treat topped trees and their intricate root systems. We can also assist you if a topped tree falls and you need it cleaned up.
Contact us at (720) 299-1409 for all your tree trimming and root growth needs.