Will Tree Topping Damage Trees?

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Timberlandtree

It is a common belief that tree topping is an effective form of tree pruning. The truth is, it is not an acceptable technique at all. In fact, tree topping is the most harmful tree care practice used for pruning trees. Somehow, it has remained a common means to prune trees despite the tedious warnings from tree care experts. Tree topping should only be performed on dead trees for the purpose of aesthetics or hindered views.

If you want the best for your landscaping trees, continue reading to learn more about tree topping and its harmful effects on trees.

Non-Selective Branch Removal

Topping trees involves cutting most or all branches and limbs down to short stubs. Essentially, it is the process of removing tree branches and limbs without being selective or concerned. Tree topping also goes by the names, “tipping”, “hat-racking”, “heading”, and “rounding over.” The most common reason people choose to top a tree is to shorten it or reduce its size.

Unless the tree is already dead, this is highly-detrimental to its survival. That is because tree topping is not an effective method for reducing the height or span of a tree. Homeowners also have trees topped when they feel that their tree is too large and may pose a danger in the future. But this is not an effective method for reducing tree hazards either. What topping will do is increase the risk of tree hazards and problems.

Tree Stressors

Trees are living organisms, which means they too can experience a decline in health and well-being. And when they are treated improperly, they can become stressed, which can result in tree health decline and more. Stress is a common side effect a tree can experience as a result of tree topping. Most of a tree’s life-bearing crown is removed during the tree topping process, which inhibits their ability to obtain sufficient food. And when they cannot get enough food, they starve, thus triggering various other survival instincts and mechanisms.

For instance, it can trigger dormant buds to activate, which then prompts epicormic shoots to grow rapidly from every cut. This is the tree’s attempt to re-grow foliage as quickly as possible in order to survive. Unfortunately, topped trees often weaken and die because they cannot grow enough leaves back to sufficiently feed themselves.

Other Negative Effects of Tree Topping:

➛ Decay occurs because the tree cannot close or heal its large cuts.
➛ Exposed trees are prone to sunburn.
➛ Epicormic sprouts can fall and damage property or injure people and pets.
➛ Unhealthy trees attract pests and diseases.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Always Trust and Depend On

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for professional tree care services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree service for both residential and commercial properties.

Timberland Tree Care Indianapolis, Indiana — Timberland Tree Care 317-348-0811

What is Tree Pollarding?

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Timberlandtree

When it comes to tree maintenance, the most common method for branch and foliage control is tree trimming. However, there are additional approaches that are used in the industry, some of which are recommended, while others are against best practices. These methods include pruning, topping, reduction, and a less common approach known as pollarding.

It is important to understand the meaning and difference among these tree maintenance variations if you are planning to have any tree work done on your property. Not only will it better educate you on the proper needs of your landscaping trees, it will give you the knowledge you need to avoid unlicensed tree service scammers who use the terms interchangeably to purposely confuse and mislead clients, which unfortunately, is more common than you think.

Continue reading to learn about tree pollarding, and how it differs from the other tree services mentioned above.

Tree Care Best Practices

In the tree care industry, there are good, bad, and acceptable tree trimming and pruning practices. In fact, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed these standards for proper tree pruning, which are used collectively among true professional tree service contractors. These standards are called the ANSI standards, also known as the American National Standards Institute A300.

In addition to these standards, there are other acceptable tree trimming methods, but this does mean that they are always recommended.

Tree Pollarding

Tree pollarding is considered to be an acceptable approach to tree trimming. The process involves removing fundamental branches in order control the shape and size of a tree, perhaps for landscaping architecture, hazard abatement, or similar need. It must start when a tree is very young, and continue once every two years.

Crown Reduction

Also referred to as tree reduction, this practice is also considered acceptable, but only under certain circumstances. Such factors that influence the application of tree reduction include tree species, location, condition, and more. The process involves removing a predetermined quantity of branches and limbs for the purpose of abating obstructions or improving aesthetics.

Tree Topping

Although an offered tree service among several tree care companies, tree topping is not considered to be an acceptable practice. The dramatic cuts made to flatten the top and sides of a tree render it highly vulnerable to disease, pests, sunscald, dehydration, and more. This practice is only recommended for dead trees, dying trees, or trees that are causing extreme obstacles or safety hazards to the public.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming Services

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule Indianapolis tree trimming service for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

Can I Prune My Tree in June?

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Now that the summer is ready to kick off, all the flora around us are in full bloom, including our trees. This has many homeowners wishing they had trimmed or pruned better, or earlier, or both. Accordingly, it also has the same homeowners asking whether or not it’s safe to trim or prune their landscaping trees right now. Given that it is the month of June, it can be risky to take a shear to a tree. So if you do make the decision to have your tree limbs reduced or cut back, be sure it is an educated one first.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about pruning trees in the summer.

National Tree Pruning Standards

Improper tree pruning can kill trees, so the techniques and methods used to prune trees is very specific. In fact, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed a set of standards for proper tree pruning that is used among true professional tree service contractors. This set of voluntary industry consensus standards was written by the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), and is called the American National Standards Institute A300, or ASC A300. They are the generally accepted industry standards for tree care practices.

Do-It-Yourself Tree Pruning

It is not wise to prune trees on your own. Several factors go into the process of tree pruning, so it requires extensive training and experience, as well as, professional tools and resources to implement the job safely and effectively. Attempting to prune your trees can put you at risk of having an accident or being seriously injured, and incorrect pruning can harm your trees. Even small trees that do not require the use of a ladder should not be pruned by anyone but a trained professional.

When You Should Prune

The best time of year to prune trees is when they are still dormant. Although you can remove weak, diseased, or dead limbs any time during the year with little to no effect on a tree, full-on pruning should only be carried out before spring growth begins. This means that right now is the perfect time to have your trees pruned! Trees should be pruned once a year by a licensed and insured tree care company that provides ANSI A300 tree pruning services. Be sure to ask whether or not they adhere to such standards before doing business.

Some Exceptions to the Rule…

Flowering trees that bloom in the mid-to-late summer may get by with spring-time pruning since their blossoms appear so late in the year. However, trees that blossom their flowers in the spring should always be pruned as soon as their flowers disappear. That usually occurs between the late summer and early fall. It is best to always discuss your tree pruning needs and options with a trusted Indianapolis tree service expert for professional advice.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis tree services for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

Check Out These Photos From a Recent Tree Pruning Job!

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Timberland Tree Care provides a wide range of residential and commercial tree services in Indianapolis, but we specialize in tree pruning, crowning, shaping, and similar aesthetic work! Scroll below to check out some pictures we took from a recent tree pruning and trimming job to get a closer look at our company operation!

Indianapolis Tree Pruning

What We Can Do For You

In addition to tree care and tree removal, we offer a wide range of additional customer amenities, including free written estimates, on-site evaluations, storm damage clearance, full-property inspections, post-service checkups, and more.

We even provide homeowners’ insurance claim work for damages caused by fallen trees and branches. And although based out of Indianapolis, we provides speedy and proficient tree care for all of Central Indiana, from Noblesville to Greenfield, and everything in between!

Get Started This Season!

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your seasonal Indianapolis tree services for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.