Do NOT Chop Chop – Instead Stop Stop!

Have you ever driven through an area where you notice trees severely cut back, leaving only stubs? This practice, often intended to reduce the weight on the top of the tree, can cause more harm than good, both to the tree and the surroundings. While it may seem like a quick fix for managing tree weight and preventing potential danger, such drastic pruning can make trees unsafe to nearby buildings and people.

Here’s why: When trees are cut back too severely, new growth, or “suckers,” will sprout. These suckers tend to compete for resources, leading to weak, poorly structured branches. In turn, these branches are more prone to breaking off in heavy winds or storms, which poses risks to the surrounding area.

Interestingly, trees in natural or woodlot settings have a far better chance of growing strong and healthy. In these environments, the trees tend to shade each other’s bottom branches, which naturally encourages better growth structures. In contrast to aggressive pruning, this process allows the tree to develop in a way that reduces competition for sunlight and resources, leading to stronger, more resilient trees.

So, next time you see trees cut back to stubs, it’s worth considering the long-term effects. Pruning is best done with care and precision, ensuring that trees can thrive in a way that supports their natural growth and stability. When in doubt, it's always best to consult a professional arborist, we recommend Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation for major pruning on trees, they provide the right care to keep your trees—and the surrounding area—safe and healthy.

To read more about horrible pruning, read Chop Chop! Is that any way to trim trees? | BYGL by Thomas deHaas.

Read more about how we structure our landscaping clean up to encourage healthy growth for years to come.