What Is Tree Topping?

What Does Tree Topping Mean?

Topping a tree means removing its upper branches, often in large quantities, without regard for natural growth patterns or pruning best practices. This type of cut forces the tree into survival mode, causing weak regrowth and opening it up to disease and pests.

Tree topping is often confused with proper pruning or crown reduction, but it is not the same. Pruning is selective and precise, while topping is indiscriminate and damaging.

Why Tree Topping Is Harmful?

Unpermitted topping and cutting not only harms trees—it can also result in legal repercussions. Just last month (June, 2025), King County filed a lawsuit seeking $7 million in damages after homeowners topped 140 trees on protected public land in Grand Ridge Park.

Here’s why professional arborists discourage tree topping:

• 🌿 Weak regrowth: Topped trees often respond by sending out rapid, weak shoots from the cuts. These are structurally unstable and prone to breaking.
• 🌞 Sunscald & bark damage: The sudden loss of canopy exposes bark to harsh sunlight, leading to cracking and disease.
• 🐛 Increased pest risk: Large open wounds make trees vulnerable to insects and decay.
• 🌳 Reduced lifespan: Topped trees may go into decline and die earlier than properly maintained trees.
• 💸 More maintenance: Regrowth is fast but unstable, requiring frequent corrective trimming — costing more in the long run.

🌳 Tree Topping vs. Crown Reduction: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse these two pruning methods — but they’re very different!

🚫🪵 Tree Topping

• Cuts back large limbs to stubs
• Done mainly to reduce height quickly
• Can severely stress or damage the tree
• Not recommended by professional arborists

✅🌲 Crown Reduction

• Carefully trims the outer edges of the canopy
• Helps manage tree size, shape, and safety
• Keeps the tree healthy and looking natural
• Approved by certified arborists

💡 Bottom Line:
When you're worried about tree height, shape, or safety — crown reduction is the better choice. It protects the tree’s health while solving your practical concerns.

Alternatives to Tree Topping

If your tree has outgrown its space or is posing a risk, here are better options than topping:

• ✅ Crown thinning: Removes select branches to improve airflow and light.
• ✅ Crown reduction: Reduces size without damaging the tree’s integrity.
• ✅ Directional pruning: Guides growth away from structures or wires.
• ✅ Tree removal (if necessary): In extreme cases, full removal may be safer than repeated topping.

📞 Consider hiring a certified arborist to assess your tree and recommend the safest and most sustainable course of action.

Local Tree Topping in the News