What Is Tree Lopping and Why Is It Important?

Tree lopping is an extensive form of pruning that involves the severe cutting back of a tree’s branches, often leaving stubs or lateral branches. It is often carried out for reasons including size control, safety measures, disease control and obstructing views.

The practice of tree lopping is controversial within the field of arboriculture, as it can be detrimental to a tree’s health and growth. It can also cause harm to nearby properties and people if it isn’t undertaken correctly by trained and qualified professionals. This article will explore the different types of lopping, their effects on a tree and why it’s important to choose an experienced arborist when seeking a professional to carry out the task for you.

When a tree is lopped it leaves open wounds that predispose the tree to diseases and pest infestations. As a result, it is not uncommon for a tree to experience significant damage at an early stage, potentially resulting in the loss of limbs or even the death of the entire tree.

Lopping is also dangerous for people and property because when new growths emerge from a lopped tree they are poorly attached, which causes them to break easily if the wind picks up. These branches can fall onto people or property, causing injuries and property damage.

Unlike tree pruning, which involves the removal of smaller branches and twigs, a lot of debris is created during lopping due to the larger nature of the tool used (chainsaws are typically employed for lopping). This debris can be a fire hazard for those living close by and will impact the aesthetics of your garden or property.

Both tree lopping and pruning have their place in the landscape, but only if done with the right expertise. An experienced arborist will provide a risk assessment, health report and site survey before deciding whether the best course of action for a tree is to be lopped or pruned.

While some situations will require trees to be lopped, there are alternatives that are safer and better for the overall health of the tree. In general, pruning is preferable to lopping for most situations. The main reason is that it’s more beneficial to a tree and will not leave them vulnerable to diseases and pests, or have a negative impact on the appearance and shape of a trees crown. To learn more about the benefits of pruning, click here. Contact a trusted tree service to discuss your options and book an appointment with an experienced arborist. They’ll provide you with a free risk assessment and a detailed quote on what work is required for your trees.

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