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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-yard-tree-topping-harms

Which drastic pruning practice does the U.S. Forest Service say harms trees?

Topping harms trees.

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  1. Removing a dead twig
  2. Making a clean small cut
  3. Topping the crown ✔

Why: Topping removes major crown portions without sound pruning cuts. The Forest Service says topping and tipping harm trees and should not be used.

Huh, didn't know that: The Forest Service calls crown reduction the preferred way to lower a tree's height or size.

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References

Answer: Topping the crown. Topping removes major crown portions without sound pruning cuts. The Forest Service says topping and tipping harm trees and should not be used.

  1. How to Prune Trees, U.S. Forest Service www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/pubs/na/NA-TP-03-03.pdf
    Topping and tipping are pruning practices that harm trees and should not be used.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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