Why You Should Think Twice About Topping a Tree
It’s a common sight after storms or in fast-growing neighborhoods: trees that have been aggressively cut back to stubs in an effort to control size. This practice, known as “topping,” might seem like a quick fix for overgrown trees, but in reality, it creates serious long-term problems for both the tree and the homeowner.
In Calgary’s climate—where chinooks, heavy snow, and high winds already stress trees—topping can turn a healthy asset into a dangerous liability within just a few years. Understanding the risks of topping, and learning the healthier alternatives, helps you protect your property, your wallet, and the city’s urban canopy.
What is Topping?
Topping is the practice of cutting back a tree’s crown to random stubs, often by removing large sections of the main branches. Homeowners usually request topping to:
Reduce the size of a tree that seems too tall or wide.
Prevent branches from interfering with power lines or structures.
Clear views or increase sunlight in a yard.
Unfortunately, while the intention may be good, the method is highly damaging.
Why Topping is Harmful
Topping doesn’t solve tree problems—it creates new ones. Some of the biggest issues include:
Weak Regrowth – A topped tree responds by producing numerous shoots (often called “water sprouts”). These grow quickly but are weakly attached, making them prone to breaking in storms.
Increased Risk of Failure – Instead of becoming safer, topped trees often become more hazardous within just a few years. Weak shoots can snap off easily, creating risks for people, vehicles, and property.
Exposure to Decay and Pests – Large open wounds left by topping are perfect entry points for decay fungi, insects, and diseases such as black knot fungus.
Premature Decline – Stress from topping weakens the tree’s overall health, often leading to decline or death.
Higher Long-Term Costs – What looks like a cheap, quick fix often results in expensive removals, property repairs, or replacement plantings down the road.
In short, topping trades short-term convenience for long-term problems.
Topping in Calgary: A Costly Mistake
Calgary’s climate makes topping even riskier than in other regions. Here’s why:
Chinook Winds – Rapid warm-ups followed by freezing can worsen cracks and stress in weakly attached regrowth.
Heavy Snowfalls – Snow piles onto fast-growing, brittle shoots, causing sudden branch breakage.
Short Growing Seasons – Trees already face stress from a limited recovery window; topping weakens their ability to bounce back.
A topped tree in Calgary may become unsafe within just three to five years, often requiring costly removals that far exceed the price of proper pruning in the first place.
The Better Alternative: Crown Reduction
Instead of topping, the correct way to manage tree size or reduce risk is through crown reduction performed by a trained arborist.
Crown reduction involves:
Selective Pruning – Removing specific branches back to healthy lateral limbs rather than cutting indiscriminately.
Maintaining Natural Form – Preserving the tree’s shape and structure while reducing height or spread.
Reducing Stress – Making smaller, precise cuts that heal more effectively and minimize the risk of decay.
This method achieves the homeowner’s goals—whether it’s clearance from structures, better light penetration, or improved safety—without sacrificing the tree’s health.
Why Hire an ISA Certified Arborist?
Tree pruning is as much science as it is art. Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist ensures the work is done correctly and safely. Certified professionals:
Follow international pruning standards (ANSI A300).
Understand species-specific needs and Calgary’s unique climate challenges.
Carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation for homeowner protection.
Provide long-term strategies that focus on preservation, not just quick fixes.
Avoid harmful practices like topping altogether.
An arborist can also advise on whether pruning, cabling, or even replacement planting is the best solution for your specific tree.
Financial Impacts of Topping
Beyond the obvious health and safety risks, topping can also hurt your wallet in less obvious ways:
Reduced Property Value – Mature, healthy trees add up to 20% to a home’s resale value. A topped tree, with its disfigured shape and reduced lifespan, can actually lower curb appeal and property value.
Future Removal Costs – A topped tree often dies prematurely, meaning you’ll pay thousands for removal and replanting much sooner than expected.
Maintenance Expenses – Fast-growing weak shoots require frequent follow-up pruning to manage risks, increasing long-term costs.
What seems cheap now is almost always more expensive later.
The Bottom Line: Choose Science Over Shortcuts
Topping may look like an easy way to control tree size, but it’s one of the most damaging practices in arboriculture. Instead of making trees safer, it creates weak regrowth, invites decay, and shortens lifespan—often leading to costly removals within just a few years.
The smarter, safer alternative is crown reduction performed by an ISA Certified Arborist. With professional care, your trees will retain their natural beauty, structural strength, and long-term health—while continuing to add value to your property.
When it comes to managing tree size, don’t gamble with shortcuts. Choose science, professionalism, and long-term success.
