Who says spurs don't harm live trees?
Why we WON'T top trees
We will never top a tree or trees, this is a no-no in the aboriculture world and here is why
- Topping leaves large exposed wounds that can be infested
- it ruins the tree's natural structure
- it removes too much foliage, disrupting the tree's energy storage needed for the dormant season
- stimulates vigorous new growth. which is prone to breakage
- it INCREASES future tree maintenance costs and destroys the tree's appearance forever and decreases it's value.
Many local tree companies still follow this practice even though it is outlawed by the ISA and National Arborist Associations. Many trees dies as a result of this drastic pruning technique; others eventually become unsafe due to dangerous limb breakage or whole tree failure that occurs YEARS after the cuts were made. The risks arise because topping removes too much foliage, upsetting the delicate foliage-to-root ratio each tree tries to naturally maintain. THE ENTIRE TREE CAN FALL DUE TO ROOT DIE-BACK.
Topping also means that large cuts are made at locations where the tree has no natural defense against wood eating insects and decay organisms that can quickly destroy it.
Limbs weakened by decay may not be able to withstand the weight of the rapid epicormic re-growth, leaving new branches suspect to breakage and falling. Published research has proven that topped trees grow more over a five year period than do trees that were properly pruned.
Tree Care professionals that follow industry standards will refuse to top your tree(s), topping is a form of consumer fraud in my opinion. customers need to specify that corrective pruning be carried out in accordance with ANSI A300 standards, make your tree care comapny give proof that they understand these standards and can carry the work out in this fashion.
CLIMBING SPURS DAMAGE LIVE TREES!
Climbing spurs are tools that arborists use to climb trees they are REMOVING, they are not to be used for use in pruning LIVE trees, period.
spurs create needless holes in a live tree, these holes damage some of the vital tissue of the tree called the "cambium". The wounds will encourage the growth of unwanted shoots called "watersprouts". the holes also allow a site of entry for wood decay organisms from diseased trees to healthy trees.
It is also possible for infected climbing spurs to transfer some disease organisms from diseased trees to healthy trees, much the same way the common cold can be spread from person to person.
In addition to the health concerns, spurs leave holes that are plain unsightly and can diminish the value of your trees! If a tree care company or individual says they will spur or spike up a tree to do your pruning and that it "will not hurt" the tree?
Ask them for proof of this theory, then you can show them what you learned here!
Remember, trees are a valuable asset to any property, hire a professional.
Below is a picture of an unsightly topping job done by a local competitor, done with city approval!
