IS IT OKAY, ---TO TOP A TREE?

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Blair, I appreciate discussions like this that cover both sides of a pruning question. I am pretty much a Shigoite. But different and special situations do come up. If I do "X" to a tree, how will it develop? And I talk to the client about it. We want no rude surprises. But if I must do something unusual I get as close as I can to Shigo-type rules. I never feel licensed to just hack. But I know others who do. Your videos are so valuable for sharing good tree care methods with others. And I thank you for them. Michael 🌲

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks Michael. Got a good one coming on root crown inspection. Surprised me!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Here ya go. Not up yet ROOT CROWN INSPECTION kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGjPnZWcd5WYetk

[@markclark-lewis2600]

I wish the owner of the property were I live had watched your video. Shes had the crown of a 60ft chestnut cut out. Its just a very tall bush now!! Plus pruned 2 to similar sized oaks she felt they were blocking light from the garden and the neighbours didnt like the leaves blowing into their garden come autumn. I did mention your videos to her but she thought the tree surgeons knew best. She nearly had a magnolia tree pruned but they didnt do it , I was so pleased!!!

[@hollybromley47]

"Tree Surgeon" = First clue that someone's not a ISA Certified Arborist.

[@bethelle9099]

Raining in Ct, also, Blair. We are always learn from your vids. People just don't look ahead with future tree growth when they plant near buildings. But when you buy a house and the tree is already there, then you inherit its future... Each tree has its own story...but are the owners listening?... Have a great weekend, Blair!!!😁😁😁

[@ArborFellar]

There are a lot of contractors in the industry who don't consult arborists let alone pick up a book, i.e., P. P. Pirone, Alex Shigo, etc. There were a few in Philly excessively topping large canopy Ash, Oak, Maple, etc. Map out 12th & Medary on Google...the guy took a Beech back to 12 to 15" wood. Killed that plus a Tulip Poplar on the next property and the neighbor has the remnants of a topped Ash which was reduced to a pile of logs later.

[@davidforrest399]

Spot on, literally had this conversation with a possible client a few weeks ago, they ignored our recommendation not to top the tree, we didnt get the work, noticed earlier this week a competitor did, too many people chasing the dollar with no regard for the long term effect... I think we need to take each circumstance for what it is, and aim for creating the best possible outcome.

[@strongrootstreequaade8287]

David Forrest I also had this conversation today with a potential client, I “think” I convinced them NOT to top their American Elm 🤞

[@Cash4Fruit]

A quick Google search will tell a tree owner the negative effects of topping off a tree. I am also disappointed that so many tree owners don’t care about the health of their trees. Like who doesn’t like trees?! If people don’t want to take care of trees they should move to the desert. I plan to prune my 70ft acacia tree myself!

[@PolecamPete]

Thank you for this information. Our Landlords topped a tree that we love .... full of hummingbirds and other beautiful creature habits . I used this video to gently inform him , rather that go to war ! Very informative and well balanced piece . Thank you

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Glad my efforts helped avoid a war

[@mikethompson5966]

great video, i have and will reference your youtube channel and videos of this nature when im asked about topping. i like sharing your videos so it shows that its not just my opinion its the right way in most cases. we spend way to long every year correcting harshly cut trees but i do get a satisfaction from fixing a ugly top job and over 3-5+ years correcting someones mistake and making it a decent looking tree again. were arborists *this isnt bonsai.*

[@trooperandcooperale3057]

I love the look of the natural Crape myrtle, and all but one of my clients have chosen to keep it natural. But when that new growth returns full of flowers, it is very impressive. And yes when it rain, they are heavy.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@trooperandcooperale3057 a natural crepe myrtle is so different from one that is treated like a bush

[@curtno5665]

Hi Where we live(out on the country) it is a lot of vind and it has been normal to plant spruce on the boarder-line to your neighbor. Then when the spruce gets too high the owner is anxious about the wind blowing it over, so they will top it. When they top it, they will stil get the protection against the wind and it will also close your insight to the house or garden. All the best from Norway

[@neild7971]

Same here in Canada. But it is now a 'hedge' (15m tall!?) that needs frequent climbing trimming/chainsawing to prevent failures. Horrible work! :)

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Curt´n O not right for the tree but a justified reason

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Neil D maybe just wrong choice of tree?

[@neild7971]

@arboristblairglenn not usually a planted tree here more likely regrowth after forestry, but yes sometimes a bad choice. Satisfying to remove some of those 'hedges'. Living on hills above the ocean means we do a lot of 'vista pruning'! Nice when people actually care what the tree you are working in looks like and not the forest three miles beyond :)

[@mediocrefloridaman2607]

Trees are an asset and should, when possible, be treated as such. Great follow up video with more perspective! Thanks.

[@josephdarienzo9496]

For the most part I am a proponent of "If you HAVE to top it, drop it" Wrong tree in the wrong place. I know there are exceptions as you mentioned. Always are. The key, I think,is educating people to plant the Right tree in the Right place to begin with. Thanks for the vids. I always learn something

[@AlexKoehler]

Gladly you put this topic continuously back on! For me it's clear: Never top any tree! Never! 1) Why not put powerlines into the ground? 2) okay... 3) No way! 4) Pruning and Topping are totally different stories! 5) Indeed questionable, I just uploaded a video this morning about that. I talked to my client and was able to convince them to save that 70 years old cherry tree. Again: thank you so much for your inspiring work! Good luck from Germany...

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I don't condone but understand when the alternative is to remove it.

[@AlexKoehler]

@@arboristBlairGlenn Sure it depends on every single situation. Sometimes I think: would have been better to plant a new tree than keeping an alien-like-thing in some kind-of-tree-shape... But as I mentioned earlier: most clients actually don't really want to fell or top that tree. They don't feel good about it. It's on us to give a different view on the topic. Like you do. And like I do. And hopefully a lot of tree guys do at least more often.

[@ronr3656]

Talk to utility people about underground utilities. It solves one set of problems and creates a who bunch of other problems, not to mention the cost.

[@danahasson2892]

Unfortunately there's a lot of people that do bad pruning and as arborist we get stuck with the consequences of past people's mistakes and we have to decide what is the best course of action for the tree in the situation. So do we re top the tree, do we do heading cuts, do we do a crown reduction, do we recommend removal of the tree? Sometimes a hard recommend to make too a client.

[@Cash4Fruit]

Great stuff! I need to prune my 70 foot acacia tree. I’m not able to fit one of these machines in my yard. So I will climb up with some harnesses. Wish I had a Koala! 🐨

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Be careful if you are not a climber. Maybe start with just hand tools. Thanks for supporting my channel. My daughter is helping me build a merch store at Etsy. More items will be added over time but please check it out. Your continued connection is appreciated. www.etsy.com/shop/ArboristBlairGlenn

[@PoplarMechanic]

Good video, I try to explain that to people sometimes they dont understand. Topping sucks but there are occasional times when it's all that can be done. 👊

[@StihlChainsaws]

I agree 100% Good stuff STAY SAFE

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

STIHL BORN I also like Stihl’s

[@johnschlesinger2009]

I reckon problems often arise because people plant the wrong species, either in the wrong places (too close to buildings), or trees are planted too close to other trees, or in inappropriate soils. It is all too easy to get it wrong. I would have loved to plant a beech (fagus sylvatica) in my front garden, but went for a birch (betula pendula), because there just isn't enough room for a beech. Thanks for another very informative video.

[@jonanderson5137]

Good choice, birch looks better most of the time.

[@ladydi4runner]

Another great informational video. Now I “get” all the bacon comments I’ve seen while binging on your vids! Too funny. Makes me want to go camping again! 😁👍

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

ladydi4runner now that you mention it, so do I!

[@ladydi4runner]

arboristBlairGlenn Cool. Sure do miss it. Especially having breakfast outdoors! Actually looked up on Google and found that particular call of the Stellar’s Jay Reminds me so much of all that camping ⛺️ n backpacking I did in Yosemite n The Sierras in general. Hearing that bird call takes me right back. 😁👍

[@mariomannelli9887]

You are the best teacher for me I try to follow your every move i wish I couldn't seen some of the things you encountered throughout your career! Thank you for all the videos about topping and restoration of them you have helped me a great deal my man. These next few months I plan to take the isa test and be the tree geek I am. Thank you arborist Glen AKA THE TREE WIZZORD

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks Mario. Be safe

[@jacobsladdertreetech2829]

Very good take on this in my opinion. Just put in a bid today to top one, made me dry heave a bit but it was the only option. And the customer was notified that it would be unruly in a year. But like you said they needed the erosion control and the shade. I think it's a good point to not be so dogmatic and take things on a case to case basis. 👍

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

From simple observation I knew topping was bad. Through your commentary on various videos I now have a good understanding of why. Thanks!

[@David__.]

Thank you, good info you've given on your video.

[@ea32da32]

Blair; I’m happy to have found your channel, however too late for this red oak outside my front door. A large limb fell where we were building our house so rather then take a chance, I topped the heck out of it. At chest high the trunk is 36” across (the base much larger) and other then the large limb it was a straight beautiful specimen. It’s still here but I now feel really bad because I’ll probably let it bush out, then at some point later before I get too old I’ll take it down. My wife and I are both sad this happened. We have some of the most beautiful huge red oaks on our property, and our home is snuggled in among some. I’ll located in far NE Texas, rolling hills and dogwoods all around. I can’t stand pine trees so over time I plan to take 88 of them to a friends mill. We also have huge white oaks down in the valley, the reds up on the hills. I so much appreciate learning from you and promise to me far more judicious. It really breaks my heart what I did to this large red.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Maybe you should take it down and mill the trunk into useful lumber for your home before too much decay ruins the wood. Build an Adirondack chair out of it and ponder the meaning of life

[@stevenbain8798]

Alright Glen here’s my scathing review.... Your absolutely right. 👍

[@clintreynolds9632]

Always love your thoughts about pruning trees. We have a lot of Arizona Ash trees here in Texas and when we had that hard freeze that got to -2 here in Fort Worth it killed some of the Ash trees or made them die back by 50%. So if you ever visit here and see those trees which looks like they have been topped they weren’t. It was the hard freeze!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

That is a good subject to talk about.

[@notlisztening9821]

I live in austria and i planted all three remaining redwood species in my backyard and man are those beautiful beasts growing rapidly. My backyard is decently sized, but not big enough to take on the risk of those trees becoming literal giants. My plan is to start harvesting cuttings from them and raise hundreds of little trees, which i will then plant in the forest of my grandfather, as soon as the trees currently in there are harvestable. However, I will probably cut down those three redwoods (in 10-20 years), before I have to hire someome else to do it for me. 28 ft distance to the foundation of the house can only be enough for so long and I also don't want it to drop the house of one of my neighbors (or my own). I might just keep one of each species in a pot and replant the small version, after I have cut down the bigger one.

[@CosmicStargoat]

I always look forward to your videos. I open my blinds so that my big ash can watch, too. It doesn't say much, but I can tell that it is interested and agrees with you. No topping here. Behind me, and across the alley, there are 3 huge cottonwood trees that have bee topped relentlessly by the power company. They do not even look like trees anymore. I wish I could upload a picture.

[@seantomei3272]

You always talk about decisions and think about them before making the cut. I often hear that voice before making prunning cuts 😀. I know there are always exceptions, but only after understanding and evaluating that decision. I won't top trees and discuss with the client about what goal they are trying to achieve. Most times I can prune properly to achieve that goal.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@seantomei3272 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kevinbyrne4538]

I volunteer to help maintain a public park. The park was neglected for decades. In a clearing, there are crab apple trees that are badly overgrown -- multiple leaders, dead or broken limbs, lots of suckers, ... I want to prune the trees rather heavily in order to improve their health (remove dead or broken branches, reduce suckers, remove branches that cross, ... ) and to reduce risk of future damage (because this area is liable to ice storms).

[@gabemalcolm4429]

100% Agree I have only topped a few trees in my life and I was always for a good reason mainly severe storm damage or topping a tree that is dying to try and get a few more years out of it such as Bradford Pears.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Bradfords can and do commit suicide!

[@RWBHere]

As with any aspect of wood use, 'Measure twice; cut once.'. You cannot put back what was taken away. Thank-you, Blair.

[@deesestrees]

Great content. Look forward to your videos. I just looked at two of these green ash trees this morning in a customer’s backyard that had been recently topped(ruined) and now they wanted them removed. 4 foot diameter trunks with No equipment access. 🤨 No thank you. They could’ve left them alone as I suggested they do 12 months ago when they called me out the first time and I urged them NOT to top them. But if you look hard enough you’ll find someone who will do it. Education education education people. Blair how many jobs per month is you trying to fix a topped tree from the past?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Late response. Missed this. How many trees per month do I work on that have been poorly pruned in the past? Sadly, most of them.

[@bethannmoitoso6295]

We have a view easement from the city on the property behind out home. The large oak tree has grown and is no longer in compliance with the easement. The tree needs to be topped to bring it into compliance and not block our view of the hills. The homeowner had the tree trimmed a few inches but it needs another 4 feet cut off from the top to bring it into compliance and even then it will grow and need to be trimmed again next year. The homeowner was told topping the top would damage the tree. What do you recommend doing?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Oak trees are highly sensitive to sun scald. When the foliage is removed, the sun bakes the limbs and they crack and dry out. View easements have no consideration for trees but I understand why people do it.

[@TheKak933]

Thank you! Great advice

[@ronr3656]

Agreed, mostly. Selective reduction, with cuts lass than 4 inches in diameter to nodes, does yield positive results in some mature or senescent species, such as pin oak here in Ohio which develops laterally to the extent that biomechanical failure becomes more likely. These trees also develop decay in trunk and root areas that increase wind load induced failure. Selective reduction (not topping) can significantly reduce these loads in susceptible trees. Also, Bradford Callery pears (a lot of invasive issues with these too) do respond well to topping cuts. The trees are so prone to mechanical failure and topping eliminates that load. Callery pear also Of course, it does commit you to re-visiting the tree every few years but I have seen Bradfords which lasted for decades with this approach. Of course, with current invasive issues with Callery pears, many would argue basal pruning is the best approach! Other examples where topping is effective and recommended...are...well...OK, i can't think of any! We also utilize tree growth regulators for trees growing near buildings or in confined spaces.

[@David__.]

If you top a tree, eg. the wattles under powerlines that I've just topped, will the trunk still get reasonably thicker? I'm in South Africa and use the wattles for fencing and other structures. I'm highly objectionable to these powerlines on my land! I don't even have electricity.

[@colsinclair7793]

I always click on these vids when I'm not to sure about something. Not listening to experience would just be silly.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@colsinclair7793 hope you still tune in to my channel

[@coilstreeservice9398]

We here at CTS agree with you 100% Blair. just need to convince potential clients. The biggest problem is here in Dallas everybody has crape myrtles that a lot of people insist be topped. I mean they only get like 20' tall anyway but I guess 6' and looking like crap is somehow more desirable? Lol

[@mike99ify]

Good video. I really appreciate it. 👍

[@grieske]

A common reason to top trees here in the Netherlands was for the production of twigs. They were used for making structures that promote silt deposition at the coast. They would top willows at about one meter high and harvest the twigs every few years. It has become such a familiar sight that topped willows now belong in the landscape.

[@leviathanmdk]

Yep in the flemish south also. Only at about two meters and whith longer intervals for firewood production and/or draining wet fields. The used to use a lot more species then just willows, bit most of those are gone now.

[@danielwalsh1531]

I learned so much. Ty.

[@keevinrassi7010]

Yes.. Nature has a way of caring for itself, when we change that, it seems to usually cause more problems than it fixes with few exceptions.. :)

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@patrickwoite7188]

You mentioned roots of trees stabilizing slopes. Here in Germany, we have a guy named Claus Mattheck and says, the trees could, because of the wind caught in the foliage, act as lever on the roots and actually support erosion. Bushes to stabilize a slope might be better. Sounds reasonable to me. What do you think?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I have met Claus in California. He has some interesting thoughts. Trees stabilize soil unless there is a problem.

[@carlhall1880]

Really enjoy your videos hello from Oklahoma!

[@trevorblack3385]

I have topped a few but only for one of the reasons you listed. Do you guys work on palm trees? Thanks for the video.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Hate Palm trees but unfortunately, yes.

[@rickfehrenback3851]

I agree also the Stihl. 2 things, 1 I don't understand what Lion''s tailling is, and 2nd your comment about topping trees and such. They recently came to my apt. complex and basically butchered the trees to no end. If there was a way to send you some pics Blair you would understand. Another Great Video. Thank you

[@peterk6431]

I don't want my river birch getting too tall. It's about 25 ft talll now and I have limited space. So what should do if I can't top it off?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Should have picked a species that does not grow tall. Your “problem” is accepting that the river Birch is supposed to grow tall. Hard cuts will lead to rapid decay and in time, that decision will cause the death of the tree. Other species are not as susceptible to rapid decay.

[@Snaponmike1]

How do you feel about topping a large beautiful ash that has been crippled by emerald ash borers? Thinking of topping it and treating with injections to try to save it. The top most part of the larger limbs are dead but the main structure seems to be thriving

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

We don't have that insect problem out here (YET), so when it comes to saving a tree, all rules are different.

[@Snaponmike1]

@@arboristBlairGlenn thanks for your advice! I appreciate the personal response. Your videos and the experience you share are great! Thanks again

[@frontallobotomy3481]

I live in the south where there's alot of crepe myrtles. My neighbor has/had two beautiful ones approx 20' tall, he just straight chopped them both about waist high. Sad

[@merrittorius]

Hey Blair! Thanks for another video. I'm heading to a job Saturday to "trim" 2 Silver, (Soft) maples. The customer wants them to be trimmed back away from a driveway to remove the liability over structures, vehicles, and kids. I know that where I'll have to make cuts on the Maple will be outside of healthy pruning. I've told the customer that doing this to the tree is unhealthy and the long term will be worse than what it is now. They are still ready to move forward. In these instances would you walk away, or do the job, or what is your perspective on scenarios like this? Thanks in advance, all the best.

[@JF-fx2qv]

Yep. Spot on.

[@gumble223]

Denver here: I see a lot of silver maples that are topped. I know they are prone to rot and also not having a long life. Is there ever a a time to top an aging silver maple to reduce the canopy weight/reach to stave it from falling prey to wind and snow?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Every tree situation is different. I don't advise but there are always exceptions.

[@mikethompson5966]

harsh cuts are more likely to lead to rot and failures than letting it grow naturally. i work on a lot of silver maples and harsh cuts lead to insane amounts of tight sucker growth some of the worst.. I had a neihbor with a med sized silver maple have it topped, the tree never recovered and died over 2 years.

[@neild7971]

@kelly robinson 'Proper' reduction, drop crotching perhaps with mild tipping back? We have a lot of leggy big leaf maple here or lions tailed trees which don't leave many drop crotch options sometimes, best of luck!

[@mikethompson5966]

sounds like all you would likely need is a light thinning to allow airflow.

[@neild7971]

@Kelly Robinson Awaiting part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXOki5ymm9qii8k

[@mrjuhbenny]

Hi Blair! Longtime fan of your videos. Here is my situation, I have large evergreens a row of 5 of them are about 45 feet from my house, I would estimate they are each 70+ feet high. They are growing a gentle slope which I am on the downhill side of. Would topping these be acceptable as opposed to completely removing them? I will admit they appear to be healthy but to watch them dance in a high wind is completely nerve wracking.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@mrjuhbenny topping any tree is not good for the health of the tree, but there are however’s. If the only option is to remove the tree, then by all means reduce them. Making good quality cuts is important. Also understanding the species that you’re talking about is important. Some trees do not tolerate topping at all. I would definitely have a certified arborist look at the trees and give you some advice. Hope that’s helpful

[@jmorrow6913]

The is sometimes there is a fine light between drop-crotching and topping. Drop-crotching you go back to a natural crotch. Of course you may get some sprouting. Sometimes I miss the growth inhibitor paint. Yes I am proud of my "A New Tree Biology" with Dr. Shigo signature and dedication Instructing me to touch trees.

[@markyoung7737]

Crown Thin and lift! That’s the practise I use!

[@julianalderson6996]

dam right can explian it to clients" but some just wont have it especially older people" nice when they listen to ya and get the light and a few limbs gone, and there very happy after it"

[@InDisTREETV]

I see it way to often here in Ohio..great video

[@mikepowers8398]

All very well said in my opinion. Practical

[@PMTLynch]

A lot of the problem is the instant landscape effect people want: people trying to achieve it with forest trees. I tell people to get this with alders but plant them with spindle trees or crabapples or any small or medium nearby for the ultimate sustainable landscape. Take out the alders when they are 10 years old and have fed the decorative trees by fixing nitrogen.

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

Topping should not be the norm but may be the best option in some circumstances, which is basically what I think you were saying in this video

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

I don't condone it but sometimes, it may be the only option.

[@oliversoanes2548]

A cherry laurel hedge was absolutely butchered by our council, the huge wounds left on the hedge will decay very quickly. I see a lot of topped trees where I lived. Our trees are maintained by a professional arborist, we have 2 pollarded manna ash trees and a sycamore maple that has a regular canopy reduction to stop them outgrowing their space

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Thanks for commenting and have a great holiday!

[@nedcramdon1306]

NEED ADVICE!! I have a perfectly shaped 20 year old Norway maple about 20 feet wide and 30 feet tall. It's lifting my walkway and the roots pushing against the concrete foundation. Top it or drop it ?!?

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Or modify the slab to work with the roots. Sometimes pavers can work with the roots. I have also seen cement broken up and put back in leaving space for the raised roots. A bit of sand in the spaces can also work. Save the tree if you can. We are all temporary and do you have another 20 years to wait? Take your life span into consideration.

[@nedcramdon1306]

@@arboristBlairGlenn Thanks, I've planted about 20 trees in the past 25 years and that one was my favorite.

[@spencerconway5468]

I live in NC and there are a lot of Crepe Myrtles around here. This time of year everybody tops these trees, even if they are not harming anything. My grandma has a bunch of crepe myrtles in her front yard that are there because the house is on a corner of the street a every few years a car crashes into the fence and trees stop the car from going into the house. This year the crepe myrtles where too high and in the power lines that I had to top them or the power company would do it and they don’t do it the proper way. Would this be justified since they where under a power line?

[@jetsgo66]

Spencer Coonway yeah for some reason everyone loves hacking crepes myrtles (crepe murder), it’s a shame because they have a beautiful natural shape. You had to do it was definitely justified

[@spencerconway5468]

Trevor 87 yeah it was either do it while they are dormant or possibly let the power company do it in July/August when they have their flowers. Tree topping seems like it is so popular in the south. On my street alone there are 4 topped trees.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Power lines are an exception for the power lines but still hard on the tree. Just make good decisions but think about what is right for the tree when possible.

[@davidforrest399]

Sounds like a classic case of wrong tree in the wrong place. but as long as you're aware of the long term consequences with respect to structural defects, and the need for the ongoing maintenance, it is not ideal, but it may be acceptable in that case. For what its worth long term - it's probably cheaper to just remove it, and replant with something that has a mature size that will not interfere with the power lines.

[@RagedContinuum]

my dad hacks his away, but it's in a confined space so I guess it's the only way to manage them

[@laurastewart2867]

Very interesting. My beautiful silver birch tree recently was topped. Not by my request. I'd wanted it just neatening at the edges and the guy butchered it. It's shocking how many people claim to be 'tree experts' when they're just simply people with a chainsaw.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Hold him accountable. Unless folks demand tree workers to be knowledgable in the craft, the profession will continue to be run by chainsaw hackers with no understanding of what they are doing. How would you feel if a doctor behaved like your tree guy? Most occupations require recognized understanding of that job. Why is tree work under professionalized? Kills me!

[@laurastewart2867]

@@arboristBlairGlenn completely agree. It's such an unmonitored profession, anyone can pick up a chainsaw. Yep it's now a legal situation so I'm fighting for recompense. It was a beautiful tree. I've just been watching videos and seeking more information to defend my position that it should never have been topped.

[@gregbrown9271]

Thanks Blair 👍

[@proxy7863]

In the UK we do lots of pollarding or lopping depending on how you see it. If done correctly on certain species it works really well. I try to explain to my customers not to do it in most cases but they want the tree down by ie 50%, then that's what we have to do. It is either that or no tree, really winds me up ☹️

[@proxy7863]

So many times I hear 'the tree is getting too big and needs managing'. Why can't we as humans leave things alone!

[@lourias]

A new, yet old funny: Man to young man learning to drive: "How do you 'top a car?" Young man learning to drive: "I do not know. How do you top a car?" Man: " 'Tep on da brake, 'tupid!" Moral: It might sound weird to you, but listen carefully to the whispers that you cannot hear easily. The man had a lisp.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

bllourias 👍🏻👍🏻

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

👍👍

[@Billster1955]

Thank you Blair

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Going back to some older videos?

[@Billster1955]

@arboristBlairGlenn yes sir. There's a lot of good teaching in all your videos.

[@DjeehBear]

100% agreed. Not being the guy topping a perfectly healthy tree that doesn't harm anyone or anything seems right to me too. All those useless wounds and decay pockets that will just rip a quarter of the life of such impressive beings... When a quarter of the life of some trees is longer that 2|3 of human's life! Most of arborists who spur and top trees will never have the opportunity to witness the damage done. And even if they worked and lived long enough, they might never understand that the poor knowledge they had(have) did kill the trees. Heard from a guy who uses spurs for trimming : "With or without spurs, trimming trees will kill them anyway..." Sad, isn't it?

[@DjeehBear]

All my Respect for your work Blair. That Respect also comes with Inspiration. I'm finishing my arborist class and already I have the call to do things properly and you are one of those who put me this track. The ability for Respect was already there and now the will to learn the right way is too. Decay, diseases and fungus videos aren't boring at all ;)

[@arcadiaoutlaw]

Top it or cut it down are sometimes the options

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

@@arcadiaoutlaw but consider the client. Are they old?

[@jamesferrell2999]

I'm still surprised every time I see a new tree topped an I'm not sure what goes through a tree workers mind. I understand it's a home owners " property" but as an aspiring arborist it makes me cringe to the bone . I do EVERYTHING I can to Inform customers to the contrary and hope they grasp the seriousness of it.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

James Ferrell -You, are exactly who this channel is for!

[@markn2904]

No absolutes with Trees and Tree Care.

[@dwarnermg]

If only the power company tree butchers could do that....

[@rosariogarcia6465]

I agree.

[@colsinclair7793]

what happens when u can't use a bucket truck. Would you feel safe to climb it??

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Depends on the tree

[@colsinclair7793]

arboristBlairGlenn what species of trees are more resilient of being topped? I know silver birch don't take kindly to pruning? Interested to find out more?

[@maxlogan5584]

Is there any truth that trees that are grown in an urban setting grow much faster than trees in a natural Forest but they die much sooner

[@matthewpolo227]

WELL SAID.

[@robertsichler6230]

Have guys pruning two trees in my yard. I wish I had watched this video before they started. I am literally sick to my stomach.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Sorry. I’m doing my best to help folks understand. You can help someone else by sharing this knowledge too.

[@007more7]

It's just the natural order of things the house killed the tree now the tree gets to kill the house. pretty simple

[@imonittonite]

Blair, I've yet to see any of your jobs needful of criticism. If only all tree companies were as competent as yours. would you please direct me to the company making those great Felco style hand pruners. I have a great pair of Sandvik I've owned for 25 years, I need a good back up pair. Thank you.

[@hedgehog3900]

Where i live the landscape architects made so many poor decisions in the 1970's that there is a kind of feeding frenzy of arb companies. Topping is commonplace,removal not uncommon. Hundreds of Chestnut trees removed due to "disease" on one estate,each tree had a circle around the base of around 5 feet that was not covered in tarmac. The moron(s) that made those decisions for Milton Keynes are probably retired now on a fat pension.

[@dylan8285]

my new stupid middle eastern neighbor across the street just butchered a beautiful Japanese maple in the front yard that was perfect size and been same size for like 5 yrs

[@whatthefunction9140]

There is a company called "tree toppers" out there. That's all they do is top trees. As I drive around I see some of the trees they worked are now dead. Oops

[@mikethompson5966]

idiots.. lol

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Dylan T lies and thieves without integrity

[@PabloGonzalez-ub6lu]

There's so much lack of information and education not only among property owners and gardening professionals, but also among the authorities. Down here in Mexico City, the environment authority has no idea of anything that you say.

[@Toyotaamazon80series]

A combination of ignorance from home owners and unscrupulous operators in the Arb business giving bad advice to said home owners has led to many atrocities being committed on trees. I refuse to reduce any tree by more than thirty per cent. If a home owner wants more of a reduction than that I recommend a removal. If my advice isn't followed and I walk away.

[@popeyedog]

But its " too tall" !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Yeah, all too often I hear that

[@erik30012]

Solar panels.....

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Erik that is “why” it is done but is that justified? Trees help cool a house and that saves energy too.

[@erik30012]

@@arboristBlairGlenn totally right, a tree is also a good solar panel

[@cosmyccowboy]

i clicked until i realied you werent talking about fruit trees then i left.... if it doesnt produce fruit i cut it down, dig up the stump and plant something that produces food!!! i even dug up the grass in the yard and threw it in the chicken pen!