When a tree grows too large for your garden, there are various ways to tackle it. Lopping or topping a tree might seem like a quick fix or a solution to manage its size, but the truth is that it is actually regarded as being a detrimental practice that can have significant consequences for your tree’s health and aesthetics in the long run. To help convince you of this, here are several reasons why lopping or topping a tree is a bad idea!. Why a La Cañada Tree Care specialist won’t lop or top trees.

Reason Why Lopping Or Topping May Not Be A Good Idea

  • It Puts The Tree Under Stress

Lopping or topping involves the drastic removal of branches, disrupting the tree’s natural structure and balance. This sudden loss of foliage exposes the tree to stress, as it struggles to cope with the sudden reduction in its canopy. The tree must allocate resources to heal the wounds and stimulate new growth, diverting energy from essential functions such as defense against diseases and pests.

  • It Can Induce Shock

Severely cutting back a tree through lopping or topping can shock its system. Just as humans can experience shock from sudden trauma, trees can undergo a similar response. The shock disrupts the tree’s metabolic processes and can weaken its overall vitality, leaving it vulnerable to a range of issues, including disease and insect infestations.

  • It Leaves Sizeable Wounds

When branches are lopped or topped, they leave behind large, open wounds on the tree. These wounds are not only unsightly but also provide entry points for problematic things like pathogens, fungi, and insects. Without proper protection and healing mechanisms, the tree may struggle to cope with the wounds effectively, leading to decay and structural instability over a period of time.

  • It Can Be Expensive

While lopping or topping might initially seem like a cost effective solution for managing tree size, it can actually result in long term expenses that you might not have considered. Trees that have been lopped or topped often require ongoing maintenance, corrective pruning, and potential treatments for diseases or pests. In the worst cases, if a tree’s health deteriorates to the point of becoming hazardous, removal may be necessary, which can be significantly more expensive than regular maintenance.


  • It Can Be Aesthetically Unappealing

One of the most apparent drawbacks of lopping or topping for the casual garden observer is simply the negative impact it has on the tree’s appearance. Instead of maintaining a natural and balanced silhouette, lopped or topped trees often exhibit disfigured, stubby growth that detracts from the landscape’s beauty. Additionally, regrowth following lopping or topping tends to be dense, weak, and unsightly, further compromising the tree’s aesthetic value.

So, if you want to avoid lopping and topping and other such drastic measures in your own garden, then the best thing to do is enlist the services of a professional La Cañada tree care firm like Cañada Tree Care. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we can guarantee that our experienced team members will be able to provide you with the maintenance care that you need.