Comments

1. Linda Smith says 04/16/11
   I have three large soft maple trees in my yard. Their branches are not near my house but the trees themselves (approx 35 years old) are tall enough that should they fall, they would each hit the house. With recent storms, I wondered about pruning and the overall health of the trees. A local tree service rep came last week and suggested "topping" all three trees to reduce their height, though he said they were all very healthy. In the meantime, I had read your article in the JS that said that topping is akin to "butchering". The tree rep said that soft maples recover well from topping and that the trees are getting too tall. What do you recommend? PS I watch the WEEK noon news and always enjoy your advice and tips.
2. Ella Maxwell says 04/19/11
   Dear Linda, Thank you for your question. In my professional opinion topping never reduces the size of the tree--it can quickly regrow to the original size. Topping that indiscriminately cuts a branch leaves no strong leader and the branches that form usually have poor branch attachment making the tree more hazardous in the long term. A certified arborist would never recommend topping. An arborist may recommend removing or mitigating co-dominate branches or branches with narrow v-crotches and included bark but never just taking all the branches back. I encourage you to get a second opinion - if you need some suggestions, call the Garden Center at 309.691.4561 and we'd be happy to recommend a few. --Ella Maxwell