Tree Topping: Why You Should Avoid Topping Trees

Tree CareBy Timothy Andra, ISA Certified ArboristFebruary 13, 2023

Tree Topping: Why You Should Avoid Topping Trees Topping trees is an overused, crude pruning strategy where the Arborist cuts the ends off the significant branches, leaving blunt ends without any secondary branches remaining to assume dominance. Topping is not an acceptable pruning method and should rarely or never be used. Yet, it is widespread…

Codominant Stems: Imposed Risks & Recommended Treatments

Tree CareBy Timothy Andra, ISA Certified ArboristFebruary 6, 2023

Codominant Stems: Imposed Risks & Recommended Treatments Codominant stems (or “leaders”) are two branches with the same diameter that have grown from the same point of origin (or “terminal bud”). Codominance can occur in any tree, but some trees are more likely to develop codominant stems than others. Maples and Oaks are generally more susceptible…