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Charlottesville, VA 22903

        1-866-VATREES
        Ph: 434-295-6401
        Fax: 434-295-1724

info@TreesVirginia.org

Tips to Avoid Topping

Planting

Check out the location—proximity to buildings, utility lines, other trees
Select trees or shrubs to fit. Proper height, slow-to-moderate growth; fit for soil
Place trees on the proper side of the house to reduce heating and cooling costs
Choose varieties experts* suggest
Consider neighboring property and public access – walkways and streets**

Pruning

Limit pruning but remove dean and broken branches when planting new trees
After 2-3 years, start removing lower branches. Reduce multiple leaders to one single top.
Prune trees in mid-winter or early spring after flowering.
Remover no more than one-third of branches at a time. Prune weak trees less.
Avoid trunk damage during early years.
Maintain recommended watering, mulching, weeding and pest control at all times

Handle the Unexpected

Whatever the natural or unnatural cause that brings you to consider topping – DON’T.
Reduce a tree’s size with alternate or lateral branch removal, pruning at the fork.
Do not make flush cuts below the branch bark ridge or remove branch collars.
Make clean, angled cuts with sharp tools at the branch collar. Do not paint cuts.
If severe topping seems the only solution, consider cutting the tree down and starting with a new one. You will have to eventually.

* Call Trees Virginia at 1-866-VATREES to get a list of urban forestry professionals who can help choose the right tree.

** Utility companies suggest the following:

	Large trees (over 60 feet tall) – plant 45 feet from utilities
	Medium trees (30-60 feet tall) – plant 35 feet from utilities
	Small trees (less than 30 feet tall) – plant 15 feet from utilities

For more information on “Experts Agree: Don’t Top Trees” call 1-866-VATREES

A program of the Virginia Urban Forest Council, with support from the Virginia Department of Forestry and the National Tree Trust and patterned after one developed by Forest ReLeaf of Missouri and the Missouri Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council.