Richards Tree Care

Why you should always hire an ISA Certified Arborist. ⬇️

Topping your trees is not a good idea! Topping is done to reduce the size of the tree's crown without regard to its health. Sadly, despite research and best management practices discouraging this practice, it is still common in landscapes today. If you want to reduce the size of your tree, consider hiring a knowledgeable ISA-certified arborist to do a "crown reduction prune". This method slowly reduces the tree's crown in a way that's much easier for the tree to handle. For more information about why topping a tree is not a good idea, visit these resources:- https://extension.psu.edu/tree-topping-the-cost-is-greater-than-you-think- https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/agent-articles/trees-shrubs/tree-topping.html Topping is similar, but not the same as a pruning technique known as pollarding. It differs in a few ways. Pollarding a tree:- usually starts at a young age, when the tree is more vigorous and more tolerant of stressors. - involves the continued maintenance and care of resprouts, and the formation of nubs at the end of the heading cuts. These nubs are allowed to seal and they are not removed. Whereas, topping a tree:- usually occurs when a tree is mature and is typically too old to handle a stressor of this scale.- involves no follow up or maintenance of resprouts. - is usually done to reduce the size of the tree instead of abiding by a specific pruning system.Lastly, this information comes from the International Society of Arboriculture's Certified Arborist textbook, and has been extensively studied by scientists and tree researchers. Despite this, topping remains a common practice in many areas of the world, especially with particular species like Crepe Myrtles. Just because it "works" for some species, does NOT make it an acceptable practice across the board, especially with so much evidence against it. #trees #tree #topping #top #treetopping #arborist #urbanforestry #plants #treepruning #pruning #prune #forestry #treecare #arboriculture #certifiedarborist #treeworker #nature #ISAarborist

https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/publicoutreach/whyhirecertifiedarborist/index

International Society of Arboriculture The International Society of Arboriculture promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees.

Tree removal isn’t always the solution, but when it is, we do that too. Call Zach for a free estimate! 717-449-6616

Winter in the perfect time to care for the trees you love! Call Zach for a free estimate! 717-449-6616
ISA Certified Arborist MA-6506a