Tree Lopping
Wild Life Icon

Tree Lopping

Tree lopping is the cutting of tree branches to stubs, or side branches, that are not strong enough or large enough to assume the terminal role.

Tree lopping is usually performed to reduce the size of the tree because often, homeowners feel that the tree has become too large for it’s position and has become a hazard. However lopping can make a tree more hazardous in the long term and can be very harmful to the health of the tree.

Branch Creek Tree Services will assess your tree’s needs, to offer the best possible solution for the homeowner’s peace of mind, and for the health of your trees. In most cases, a maintenance schedule for regular tree pruning may be all that is required, but in some situations, complete removal of the tree may be suggested.

Professional Tree Lopping Services on the Sunshine Coast

The technique of cutting trees that involves removing large parts of the tree, such as branches and stems, is called tree lopping, which can also be referred to as tree topping. This practice is usually employed to make a tree smaller or significantly alter its shape. Nevertheless, it is important to note that tree lopping remains a subject of controversy. At Branch Creek Tree Services, we do not usually recommend tree lopping because it is generally regarded as harmful to the health and safety of trees long term. In any case, rest assured, we will offer you the best solutions for your peace of mind and the health of your trees in the long run.

Reasons for Tree Lopping

Size Reduction

Property owners request tree lopping to lessen the dimensions of a tree that has become oversized in its position and may be blocking power lines, houses, or other installations.

Hazard Mitigation

Homeowners might think that tree lopping could be a fast method to get rid of branches that pose danger due to storm damage, decay, or structural weakness.

Aesthetic Appeal

Some homeowners might choose tree lopping as an option to reshape their trees to create a specific look or to increase sunlight penetration in their garden or yard.

Adverse Effects of Tree Lopping

Risk to Tree Health and Structural Integrity

When we remove most leaves from a tree, it becomes unable to photosynthesize properly. Consequently, this may result in stressing out trees and making them sick or die. Thus, removing major branches leaves behind big cuts where insects and fungi can gain entry. Unfortunately, the tree’s inbuilt protective systems may not be sufficient to cover over such huge wounds fast enough, resulting in increased chances of infections and decompositions that may ensue.

Unstable Growth

Lopping results in trees producing numerous fast-growing shoots (epicormic growth) as a form of survival. These shoots are often weakly attached and can easily break, creating new dangers. Regrowth can become dense and unruly, requiring more maintenance.

Aesthetic and Ecological Impact

When trees are lopped, they generally take on an unnatural and uglier appearance that does not appeal to the eye, thus decreasing the value of both the trees themselves and the area in which they grow. Also, when too many leaves are stripped from trees at once, this action can interfere with local species as it diminishes habitats for birds and other wildlife and deprives them of their normal supply of food.

Increased Maintenance Costs

Trees that have been lopped may require more attention in terms of maintenance so they can grow well again. The remaining regrowth may need frequent trimming. If a tree is unhealthy or dangerous to be around, then the long-term expenses could increase greatly as it may require constant attention or, in some cases, removal.

Recommended Alternatives to Tree Lopping

Rather than tree lopping, our expert arborists recommend the following measures to ensure the health of your trees in the long run.

Corrective Tree Pruning and Trimming

Corrective tree pruning and trimming focused on eliminating only the unwanted branches, which usually consist of discarding dead, diseased, or structurally weak parts. Selective branch removal, crown thinning, and reduction methods bring out the desired results in tree pruning without compromising the tree’s overall health and safety.

Tree Care

Regular maintenance of trees in the form of mulching, optimal watering, fertilisation, and pest control can end up enhancing the overall health of the trees. Thus, eliminating the need for taking drastic steps like tree lopping. Help your trees stay healthy and safe for a longer time by maintaining proper soil health and irrigation.

Consult Our Qualified Arborist

At Branch Creek Tree Services, our certified arborists help you thoroughly assess the tree and recommend the best course of action to help your tree thrive for a longer time. Our experienced arborists identify potential hazards, advise on the best pruning and trimming techniques, and provide tree care plans that cater to your specific needs for trees and your landscape. Our tree arborists also assist you in navigating local regulations and help you obtain necessary permits for your tree removal and maintenance.

So, connect with our expert arborists today to seek professional tree removal and tree care services in Sunshine Coast, Queensland.