Why topping hurts trees pdf

Ask your arborist if they have a certification number. You can also find an arborist through the ISA. Can I prune my own tree? Pruning trees is a specialized trade based on the science of tree physiology.

Public Works recommends hiring a certified arborist for any tree work. Young tree care, if done carefully, can be performed by the property owner. Learn more with this guide to pruning young trees PDF. How can I report illegal pruning or removal?

Call to report illegal pruning or removal of street trees. The Bureau of Urban Forestry will send an inspector to assess the tree and issue a fine if warranted. Is pollarding the same as topping? Sometimes people use the terms interchangeably, but they are actually very different practices.

While pollarding is not recommended, it is not illegal if performed correctly. Topping a tree is extremely damaging to the tree, and should never be done.

Should I prune the canopy if I have to prune the roots? Seek advice from a certified arborist, but in most cases it is not recommended. Pruning the roots of a tree will stress the tree and should only be done if necessary. We may be able to minimize the number of roots that must be pruned by allowing property owners to expand their tree basin.

Call to request a basin expansion. It is not possible in all cases, and must follow ADA guidelines, so we can determine what is allowed. Skip to main content. Search form Search. About Us Learn who we are, what we do, and how to keep in touch. Get Involved Find info on volunteering, neighborhood activities, jobs and internships.

Projects Browse our hundreds of projects around the city. Services Locate and access the many vital services we provide. Common Tree Mistakes. People don't know how harmful it is to the tree and they see it as a way to decrease the tree's size. Certified arborists and other legitimate landscape professionals do not practice tree topping. They want to: Fix trees that interfere with electrical wires.

Shorten trees that grow too tall near their home. Prevent the tall tree from coming down in a storm. How do I reduce the size of my tree without topping it? Hire a professional. Find a City approved contractor or a licensed arborist.

Tree topping is never a justifiable pruning practice; it increases tree health problems and is aesthetically unappealing. A topped tree will require more maintenance and has an increased potential to become hazardous. Hazardous trees are a liability and ultimately the property owner is responsible for any damage hazard trees cause.