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What is Tree Topping?

What is Tree Topping?

Trees provide a range of benefits for your home and the ecosystem. With that in mind, routine care…

Apr 13,2023

Trees provide a range of benefits for your home and the ecosystem. With that in mind, routine care is critical to enhancing structural integrity and healthy growth throughout the year. The most common and effective maintenance task is pruning, which a professional tree care company should handle. Although many people prefer tackling landscaping projects alone, using the wrong technique or excessive pruning can kill trees.

What is Tree Topping?

At Sesmas Tree Service, we offer arborist services to ensure your trees receive the proper trimming and pruning. Leverage our extensive industry knowledge of tree care techniques for deciduous, fruit, coniferous, hedge, palm, and shrub species. We can also inspect and address any signs of infection or infestation affecting your trees’ well-being.

Tree Topping

Tree topping, or heading, is when too many healthy canopy branches are cut. Many areas across the United States prohibit this tree-killing practice, requiring tree service providers to register with their respective cities. While the authorities have taken measures to curb tree heading, DIYers can accidentally prune excess healthy limbs. You can avoid such scenarios by hiring a professional tree care company to handle pruning and maintenance.

Our Services

Emergency Tree Services Emergency Tree Services

Emergency Tree Services

That inanimate tree standing outside on your lawn may seem harmless, but it can surely cause a lot of damage. There…

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Storm Damage Cleanup Storm Damage Cleanup

Storm Damage Cleanup

Storms can leave behind broken limbs, split trunks, and fallen trees that block access and threaten nearby structures. In those moments,…

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Tree Trimming Tree Trimming

Tree Trimming

Are you looking for a reliable tree company for tree trimming or pruning? Sesmas Tree Service offers expert residential and…

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Tree Removal Tree Removal

Tree Removal

The reasons for tree removal vary quite a bit. Perhaps you've moved into a new home and want to get…

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Tree Risk Assessment Tree Risk Assessment

Tree Risk Assessment

Tree risk assessment is essentially when a professional arborist analyzes a tree and concludes just how much of a risk it…

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Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching

Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching

Not every tree removal business can handle large-scale site clearing and site preparation projects like Sesmas Tree Service can. We…

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Tree Services Tree Services

Tree Services

Are you looking for a trusted tree service or tree removal in Atlanta? Look no further as…

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Arborist Services Arborist Services

Arborist Services

Your Trusted Local Arborists in The Metro Atlanta Trees are a lot more than a trunk, some branches,…

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Why Is Tree Topping Bad for Trees?

Property owners are under the false notion that cutting back much foliage-producing branches encourages fruit and leaf production, but it doesn’t! Tree topping has the opposite effect: it removes leaves, increases the risk of sun scald, creates a pathway for pathogens and pests, and increases susceptibility to wood rot and fungi.

Although some trees can recover from excessive pruning, most cannot. Different trees require varying pruning techniques to encourage healthy fruit and leaf production. Safe alternatives to tree topping include spiral thinning and canopy pruning, which can be performed by a tree care company safely.

How Much Should You Prune Your Trees?

If you prefer a more hands-on approach to tree care, don’t prune over 15% of your mature trees’ canopy and 10% of your young trees. The primary goal of pruning is to eliminate diseased, dying, or dead branches that threaten the health and structural integrity of the tree. Some signs of deterioration are unperceivable by inexperienced individuals, and that’s why pruning should be left to professional tree service.

The Best Time to Prune Trees

 Tree pruning can leave severe injuries on the tree, creating a pathway for insects, fungi, parasites, and diseases. If you have a pruning project lined up, consider rescheduling it to winter when your trees are dormant. The cold temperatures minimize the damage because the tree is inactive, compared to warmer weather like spring and summer.

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

Cutting damaged limbs in the winter gives the trees time to heal and encourages healthy growth. You can expect optimal leaf and fruit production in the spring. Even after pruning in the dormant season, ensure a trusted tree care company inspects your trees regularly to mitigate infestations, diseases, or blight. Contact us at Sesmas Tree Service for pruning and maintenance tips. Please schedule a consultation today with our representatives to enjoy top-notch tree services at competitive rates.

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