When your tree needs work to improve its appearance or health, you might hear terms like tree topping vs. crown reduction. It’s important to understand exactly what these terms mean when it comes to pruning and trimming trees. You’ll want a professional offering tree service in Johns Creek, GA, to explain these terms, so you can keep your tree safe and healthy.
How Tree Topping Works and When To Use It
Tree topping involves cutting large sections of the canopy. It is a fast process, as the workers doing the cutting don’t worry about the aesthetic of the crown afterward. They might simply chop several feet off the top, cutting through large limbs and smaller branches alike.
If a professional tree trimming company suggests tree topping, you should ask more questions before agreeing to the work. Tree topping is only the right choice when you are out of other options for saving a tree in significant distress. In fact, topping the tree is a dangerous process for the tree’s health. Removing too much of the tree’s canopy could cause it to go into shock and may kill it.
When Crown Reduction Is the Right Choice
When tree topping vs. crown reduction is being debated, most tree-care companies will suggest crown reduction. Tree-care experts use selective pruning to remove specific portions of the crown. During crown reduction, the professionals cut live branches from the tree. This is different from deadwooding, which involves only cutting dead branches.
The primary structure of the crown remains intact in this process. However, the work does reshape the crown and remove certain branches to keep the tree healthier. Air movement is able to reach the inner branches and leaves, which reduces moisture and potential water damage on the leaves.
Crown reduction can remove some of the height of the tree to prevent it from interfering with utility lines. It can also safely reduce the diameter of the crown, keeping it farther away from buildings and other trees.
Differences in Crown Reduction and Tree Topping Techniques
One of the biggest differences between these two techniques is the amount of the tree the workers remove. With tree topping, workers might cut 25% to 50% of the tree’s branches, placing its health in jeopardy. Additionally, making cuts this way may expose the tree to disease or insects. Crown reduction involves a careful inspection of the tree before making any cuts, ensuring the removal of a safe percentage of the branches.
Let Georgia Tree Company Help With Your Tree Crown Management
When you need to use crown reduction methods to keep a tree healthy, trust the experts at Georgia Tree Company. We’ll help with your understanding of the types of tree trimming, ensuring we select an effective and safe technique. We’ll explain tree topping vs. crown reduction and discuss when each option is appropriate to use.
Whether you want tree shape maintenance, help with managing a tree’s height, or protecting the health of the tree, our experts are ready to serve you. Call us today for a free estimate at (404) 990-0010.