Tree topping, the brutal epidemic
You probably don't have to look very far to find trees that have been topped, lopped or brutally deformed in one way or another. Ignorant, negligent, horrible acts of tree mutilation are a rampant scourge on our local environments. The topping problem is everywhere. Homeowners, strata, municipalities, governments of all levels, golf courses, shopping centres, and 5 star hotels, it really is everywhere. You can witness tree topping in every city, in every country on every continent in the world. Give any tree ignorant person a saw, instruct him to prune a tree and he will almost certainly mess it up once and for all.
Why trees should not be topped
- The topped tree is ruined. It will never fulfill its full potential and it will die sooner.
- The topping point will sprout multiple new shoots. These shoots will grow quickly to replace the old top. The new shoots will be poorly attached.
- Decay will start from the top down. The multiple new tops will fail.
- The topped tree will require more maintenance and will provide less benefit.
Take action. How you can help stop tree topping
- The first step to action is awareness. Look around your neighbourhood, look at the trees, you will soon realize the massive scale of the problem.
- Get informed. Learn about proper pruning, check out resources like International Society of Arboriculture. Talk to some local arborists and get their take on the situation
- Make some noise. Make a fuss. If you see it happening tell them it's wrong. Tell the authorities. Topping is illegal in some places. It should be illegal in others. Let them know.
The health of the urban forest is important. Tree topping is a serious problem. It has to end.
Help stop the topping
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