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How do you discourage topping?
Mockbdhl@ix.netcom.com
Fri, 12 Dec 1997 15:23:51 -0600
What do you say to a perspective client that wants you to top their trees? How do you explain
to them that it is not proper Arboriculture? Some people are not concerned with plant care.
They are afraid of the tree or perhaps want more sunlight to their deck. It also seems to relate
to cost, they feel that it should be cheaper to remove half of the tree. Most of the time you
know from the phone call that they want you to top trees.
I always ask what they are trying to accomplish, what are their goals? They tell me they want
the top one third or more removed for what ever reason. I tell them that some species will not
survive and die within several years. Explaining further that if the tree survives the sucker growth
created has a very weak branch union. As the branch grows and gains more weight it creates a
hazard on their property. The plant become much more susceptible to storm damage. At this
point I try to explain that in most scenarios unless you bring in a crane it will cost more. To
remove the highest portions of the tree while leaving the lower portions in something that might
resemble a tree can be difficult and time consumipng. It is often less expensive to removed it. If
I get that far in a conversation with a perspective client and they still want it topped then I know
that they will not change their mind. I then tell them that it takes away the trees dignity and as a
professional Arborist it is a task that we will not perform. We will be happy to remove the tree,
but we will not top. I also tell them that if they still want trees topped do not to call an Arborist,
because topping is against all modern Arboricultural morals.
I am interested in how you try to discourage perspective clients from performing this disgusting
act. We are not receiving as many calls requesting this practice as we use to. Hopefully more
Arborists will inform the public to a point that topping is no longer tolerated.
Tom Simmons
Climb Safe & Keep Learning
Steep Hills & Sharp Edges!