My uncle said to always top a pine to stop it from getting too tall

He told me this about a big white pine in his yard ten years ago, and I argued it was a bad idea. I explained how topping creates weak, fast-growing sprouts and opens the tree to disease. He did it anyway, and now that pine is a mess of crowded, poorly attached limbs. One major branch split off in a storm last spring, causing about $800 in roof damage. Has anyone else had to fix a topped tree that someone insisted was the right call?

3 comments

3 Comments

coleman.gray1d agoMost Upvoted

My neighbor topped a beautiful oak about five years back on similar advice. Now it looks like a scared kid holding up a bunch of brooms, and we're just waiting for the next big wind. It's so frustrating when people won't listen, isn't it? That roof damage is exactly the kind of thing they never picture happening. You tried to warn him, and the tree itself proved your point in the worst way.

sarah8181d ago

Watching that happen must drive you nuts.

the_spencer1d ago

That $800 roof bill is a hard lesson. Did your uncle ever admit you were right about the topping, or does he still think it was a good idea? Honestly, some folks just won't change their minds even with proof.