http://www.bloomatreeexperts.com/blog/bad-pruning-practices-and-how-to-correct-that-unsightly-tree                Notice how the limbs abruptly end in a blunt cut: improper pruning. While out and about making bids on tree service jobs, Martin and I ... en-us http://www.compasswebpublisher.com http://www.bloomatreeexperts.com/blog/bad-pruning-practices-and-how-to-correct-that-unsightly-tree#comment-22 alison Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:16:20 -0600 http://www.bloomatreeexperts.com/blog/bad-pruning-practices-and-how-to-correct-that-unsightly-tree#comment-22 A "neighbor" walked into the center of my rental yard and whacked my lovely red maple to the height of 12'. My privacy and shade are gone, totally bizarre behavior to me. But what is the terminology to even discribe this?, I now have 6" stubs over my brick patio. We're having a Co. Detective do a real background check on such a nut. http://www.bloomatreeexperts.com/blog/bad-pruning-practices-and-how-to-correct-that-unsightly-tree#comment-23 Judy Macauley (Blooma blog author) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:37 -0600 http://www.bloomatreeexperts.com/blog/bad-pruning-practices-and-how-to-correct-that-unsightly-tree#comment-23 Hi Alison, I'm so sorry to hear about your tree incident. Weird behavior! What your neighbor did is called "topping," and every qualified tree expert agrees it's a very dangerous and irresponsible action to perform on a tree. If the tree survives, it reacts in ways that are both unsightly and unhealthy, including sending out lots of suckers. The cuts will not heal properly, leading to dead branches and limbs and allowing fungi and insects into the tree's interior. When done properly, just 25% of a tree's limbs and branches can be removed healthily (even less for a very mature tree). For trees with a single trunk, such as a Douglas fir, topping is even more dangerous for many reasons. You might be able to save your tree by having a professional make proper cuts to help the tree heal the wounds. However, if too much has been cut, you would do best to remove the tree and plant another. Our best wishes to you and your tree! I'm so sorry to hear about your tree incident. Weird behavior!

What your neighbor did is called "topping," and every qualified tree expert agrees it's a very dangerous and irresponsible action to perform on a tree. If the tree survives, it reacts in ways that are both unsightly and unhealthy, including sending out lots of suckers. The cuts will not heal properly, leading to dead branches and limbs and allowing fungi and insects into the tree's interior.

When done properly, just 25% of a tree's limbs and branches can be removed healthily (even less for a very mature tree). For trees with a single trunk, such as a Douglas fir, topping is even more dangerous for many reasons.

You might be able to save your tree by having a professional make proper cuts to help the tree heal the wounds. However, if too much has been cut, you would do best to remove the tree and plant another.

Our best wishes to you and your tree!]]>