Trees can become a nuisance when they grow larger than their natural boundaries and start to interfere with your house, garden, driveway, or power lines. In these situations, it may be necessary to trim the tree with a specialised pruning technique known as Tree Lopping. While lopping is a relatively drastic measure, it can help to address immediate safety hazards and prevent future problems.
When performed by a qualified arborist, lopping is an effective method of trimming a tree for health and aesthetic purposes. It involves precise cutting techniques and careful planning to prevent accidents and damage. The goal is to maintain a balanced structure while increasing light penetration, preventing diseases and pest infestations, and improving the overall appearance of the canopy.
While some people use the terms “tree lopping” and “tree pruning” interchangeably, there is a big difference between these two techniques. Lopping is a severe form of pruning that consists of cutting large side branches to stubs or to the trunk. It is also referred to as ‘topping’ and is generally avoided by professional arborists due to its negative impacts on the health of the tree.
Pruning, on the other hand, is a much more subtle technique that involves cutting smaller branches and twigs to regulate size and shape. It is also used to correct defects or to remove deadwood. The main advantage of this approach is that it does not change the structural integrity of the tree and can be safely carried out by hand or with the assistance of a powered machine.
The main reason for lopping a tree is to reduce its height. It is also commonly done to clear obstructions, such as obstructive or overgrown branches that pose a risk to passing vehicles or pedestrians. However, it is important to note that a well-qualified and licensed arborist will only recommend tree lopping in extreme cases. They will perform a comprehensive risk assessment and health inspection before advising the best course of action.
A major disadvantage of lopping is the rapid re-growth that occurs after this type of pruning. This is caused by the tree going into shock when a large percentage of its canopy is removed and trying to reproduce what it has lost. As a result, the new growth is stubby and weak and can lead to limb failure or even complete tree collapse.
Additionally, the open wounds left by lopped trees can leave them susceptible to infection and decay. This is because bacteria, fungus, and insects can easily access them and cause serious issues within the canopy. It is also recommended to avoid covering pruning cuts with paint or any other timber treatments. This is because research has shown that these products can actually be harmful to living cells and may even cause further damage.
source https://cameronstreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/10/08/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-tree-lopping/
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