Topped Trees in Sacramento

A beautifully windy and wet walk, tonight.

Have observed on many occasions, while walking and running, trees without branches in front yards. Just about every time, I wonder why homeowners choose to do this. Invariably, by the time I get home, other priorities arise and I forget to investigate. I have theorized various explanations:

• Height control
  
  
• Root control (sidewalks, foundations, and so forth)
  
  
• Overall tree health--perhaps the prevalence with which it seems to occur means it falls under proper tree maintenance practices

It seems a simpler answer exists--homeowners, for whatever reason, are systematically mutilating their trees.

Resources

1. City of Sacramento, "Why Topping Hurts Trees (PDF)": http://www.cityofsacramento.org/transportation/urbanforest/uf-media/why-topping-hurts-trees.pdf
   
   
2. Sacramento Tree Foundation: http://www.sactree.com/treetip.aspx?7 (reprinted via http://www.plantamnesty.org/stoptopping/5reasons.aspx, "5 Reasons to Stop Topping Trees")
   
   
3. http://agnewsarchive.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/FRSC/Feb0907a.htm

Notes

• "Topping is a kind word for the indiscriminate butchering of a tree," Johnson said. "It is the most harmful tree-pruning practice known, yet is very common." (http://agnewsarchive.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/FRSC/Feb0907a.htm)
  
  
• The above article suggests hiring a qualified tree trimmer certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or visiting ISA's Web site at http://www.treesaregood.com