Re: Limbing/topping a dead hemlock
bedard59@aol.com
Fri, 2 Oct 1998 19:53:05 -0500
YOu certainly have an interesting proposition! The jury is still out on whether a tree can be mature and dead at the same time!...but I will try to answer your question.
Topping is not good and if you wouldn't "know" they have been "topped" your neighbors or friends will!
Dead trees and roots are welcome sites for problems like insects, rot and fungus which will weaken the tree and undermine the root system.
YOur hemlocks will be more of a hazard to weather conditions such as windthrow, ice and limb drop.
May I suggest removing and planting. Many new trees can grow to over twenty feet by the time you forget the word "topping".
Good luck.
Rick.