🛑 Why You Should Never Top a Tree in middle tennessee 🛑

Tree topping is the practice of cutting off the upper portion of a tree’s canopy indiscriminately, often leaving large stubs. People sometimes do this to reduce size, improve safety, or manage shade, but it is extremely harmful. Topped trees produce weak regrowth, become prone to disease, and can create safety hazards over time.

Topping can cause:

Structural weakness — new shoots grow weakly attached and break easily.
Increased pest & disease risk 

— large cuts leave wounds that invite insects and fungal infections.
Reduced tree health — removing too much foliage limits photosynthesis, starving the tree.
Safety and property hazards 

— weakened branches may fall during storms, potentially causing damage or injury.

Yes! Instead of topping, professional tree companies recommend:

Crown Reduction — Shortening branches to strong lateral limbs.
Crown Thinning — Removing select interior branches to reduce weight and wind resistance.
Crown Lifting — Raising the canopy for clearance above driveways, roofs, and walkways.
Deadwood Removal — Eliminating hazardous, dead, or decaying branches.
 

👉 Learn more about professional tree trimming and pruning →
 

Almost never. Topping is usually more harmful than helpful.

In some cases where the tree is severely stressed, damaged, or mismanaged,

proper pruning or full tree removal may be necessary.

👉 See our Tree Removal page →
 

The tree may produce rapid regrowth called “water sprouts,” which are weakly attached and prone to breaking. Over time, the risk of limb failure increases, the tree becomes diseased, and property hazards grow — sometimes requiring emergency removal.
 

Corrective pruning by a licensed arborist can improve safety, remove weak growth, and gradually restore structure, but it cannot fully reverse the damage.

Regular inspections and pruning reduce risks and help maintain the tree’s health.

Insurance usually does not cover topping because it is considered harmful maintenance. However, if a topped tree falls and causes damage, coverage for the resulting property damage may apply. Proper documentation and photos are crucial for claims.

If a tree is too weak, diseased, or has been severely topped, 

removal may be the safest option.

Our team can assess your tree and recommend whether pruning or removal is necessary.

👉 Learn more → 

Most mature trees benefit from pruning every 2–3 years, though frequency depends on species, location, and health. Regular maintenance prevents weak growth, reduces storm damage risk, and avoids the temptation of harmful topping.