Several years ago, I authored two articles titled ‘Crimes against Trees.’ Safety around large trees is important. Cutting all heavy branches back to a stub may seem to make sense.
But overall, the tree becomes even more hazardous to people and property.
These are two previous ‘Crimes Against Trees’ BYGL Articles:
https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2089
https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2113
It would seem removing the weight off the top of a tree, it would make the tree safer.
Actually, by topping a tree, you are creating multiple suckers at the end of the branch which will compete with each other
and may break off.
At the end of the cut branch, the wound usually never heals and lead to trunk rot and insect infestation.
On a recent trip to Bowling Green, I came across these Honeylocust that were pruned in such a manner.
This approach is not good for trees.
It also makes trees looks stark and not aesthetic.
When trees are cut way back like this small Honeylocust, multiple suckers will result.
Trees growing in a natural or woodlot setting tend to shade each other’s bottom branches, which naturally leads to better growth structure and healthier trees.
Tree pruning is important to the health of trees and the landscape. Trees that could fall on power lines need to be thinned. Trimming around power lines should be done by experience professionals that know the hazards and how to avoid them.
The following article highlights the hazards of tree trimming near power lines:
https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/1922
In a previous article, I showed pictures of trees that were trimmed in winter of 2022. Three years later, presently winter of 2025, you can see the suckering that has occurred. See pictures and dates below.
Winter 2022
Winter 2025
Winter 2022
Winter 2025
Winter 2022
Winter 2025
If these competing suckers are not thinned, they become weak, and some will break off leading to falling branches and a hazard to people and property.
As always, choosing a professional with International Society of Arborists (ISA) ensure quality pruning and healthier, safer trees.
Remember, pruning can be dangerous! If you think the job is too big, call a professional.
You can search for an International Society of Arborists (ISA)
Calling on an ISA certified arborist may be your “BEST” call.
You can find International Society of Arboriculture arborists here:
https://www.ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/trees4ohio_find-an-arborist
In addition, if you have fears on whether your tree is or be at risk of falling, ISA offers credentials to arborists that have completed the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). This is not for just oaks but any tree which may present you with concerns.
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) is a voluntary qualification program designed to train and assess candidates in a specialized field of arboriculture. When a professional earns the ISA TRAQ credential, they should be recognized by their peers and the public as a tree care professional who has specialized knowledge in tree risk assessment.
Safety First!
https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2280
