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Why Tree Topping Can Seriously Damage Your Trees

Why Tree Topping Can Seriously Damage Your Trees

As a property owner, pruning is one of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy…

Sep 16,2026

As a property owner, pruning is one of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy green spaces. When you prune your trees, you proactively preserve their beauty and overall longevity, making it a worthwhile investment. With that said, not every practice is safe for your trees. Improper pruning or topping can cause more harm than good, especially if performed excessively. Before undertaking a DIY pruning project, consult the experts at Sesmas Tree Service to ensure the job is done right the first time.

Why Tree Topping Can Seriously Damage Your Trees

What Is Tree Topping?

Topping is a harmful pruning practice that basically lops a tree in half. This outdated method removes a significant portion or the entire canopy, leaving a bare top that contributes to overall deterioration. While tree service providers in North Carolina and DIY enthusiasts have performed this bad pruning practice since the 1960s, modern conditions don’t compare to the period of suburban development. Unlike the time when neighborhoods had fast-growing shade trees, topping today can negatively impact tree health and even cause aesthetic concerns.

Why Topping Kills Your Tree

Now that you know what topping is and how it is performed, you can make more informed decisions when it comes to routine maintenance. Let’s delve into the different ways this negative practice can kill your tree to ensure you make informed decisions.

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Excessive Removal of the Tree

One of the biggest problems with tree topping is the amount of living growth it removes. Proper pruning selectively removes dead, dying, or damaged branches while preserving the tree’s natural shape and foliage. However, topping removes major limbs or large sections of the crown, leaving the tree vulnerable to infections and infestations. If a tree doesn’t have sufficient foliage for photosynthesis, it can’t maintain healthy roots, branches, and new growth. In the case of severe damage, a full tree removal may be necessary to prevent hazardous situations down the line.

Weak, Rapid Growth

After excessive pruning, a tree often responds by producing many fast-growing shoots around the cuts. Although these shoots may make the tree appear full again, they aren’t strong and easily break with little effort. These shoots grow from the remaining branches rather than developing as part of the tree’s natural structure, which means they are weak and pose serious risks during adverse weather conditions. The most effective option is to hire a local tree company for regular maintenance, ensuring proper pruning practices to prevent safety hazards for people and property.

Vulnerable to Diseases and Infestations

Tree topping creates large wounds that are difficult to seal effectively. Unlike a small cut, large topping wounds can expose extensive areas of internal wood. If left unchecked, moisture, insects, fungi, and other harmful organisms can take advantage of these openings. Once decay begins inside a trunk, the damage can go undetected until it is too late. By taking a more professional approach toward tree care, you can prevent internal deterioration from worsening and causing premature tree removal.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

At Sesmas Tree Service, we don’t just remove the top branches indiscriminately; we use selective pruning techniques to manage growth while preserving the tree’s natural structure. Our certified arborists conduct a thorough inspection of your greenery to identify potentially hazardous limbs and determine the best course of action. Whether it is thinning, crown reduction, or another carefully planned method, you can count on us to remove foliage safely.

Don’t just use your pruning tools to cut everything at the top. Contact Sesmas Tree Service to book an appointment with our experts and enjoy quality services at competitive rates. From planting and routine care to emergency removal and stump grinding, you can trust that the job will be done right the first time.

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