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“Topping” a tree is not an acceptable, ethical pruning practice, and a reputable tree care company will not recommend this as an appropriate tree care option.

“Topping” is the indiscriminate cutting of a tree by removing branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role for proper growth.  The most common requests for topping a tree are to attempt to contain its size. “Topping” is not the answer!  In fact, the opposite outcome will occur.  The “Topped” tree will become stressed and begin to starve due to the excessive removal of too much leaf surface area. (The food-factories of the tree).  This results in the reduction of the photosynthesis capabilities of the tree, and it will suffer.  In response to this shock, and to replace what has been removed, the tree will activate latent buds, forcing multiple shoots to grow far more rapidly than normal.  The accelerated   growth rate of these new branches, does not allow for proper structural development, therefore becoming weakly attached.  Decay will also set into these sites.   Your tree as become more hazardous!    Your topped tree will be more costly to maintain, as regular breaks, and wind damage may occur.  A “topped” tree will likely reduce your property value as well.  Another potential cost of a “topped” tree is that of a potential liability.  Since this is an unacceptable practice, any damages or injury caused by a hazardous tree, may lead to a finding of “negligence” in a court of law. A “topped “tree is also more attractive to some insect and/ or disease problems.

These are some of the reasons why NOT to top your tree!  A correctly pruned tree enhances the natural forms and beauty of your landscape!

A healthy, well-maintained, properly pruned tree can increase your property’s overall curb appeal, and value.  A Professional, Certified Arborist can provide you with Tree Pruning Services in Edmonton and Area, and will suggest correct options or alternatives for the care of your trees.

There are many reasons why trees add value to your landscapes.

A primary reason, is that your trees and shrubs add great monetary value to your property and can increase your curb appeal substantially!  Trees can provide us with a variety of colourful fruits and foliage, as well as flowering.  In the hot months of Summer, a tree can substantially reduce the heat on your house and yard, by the shade it provides. Trees can act as wind barriers to help reduce the turbulence in your yard and encourage comfort in the microclimate of your space.   All trees provide a habitat, protection, nesting and migration area for birds, insects and other wildlife.  This keeps our flora and fauna diverse, and our environment healthy.   

As sound barriers for traffic, and as filters to reduce air pollution, all healthy trees, aid in the improvement, and safety of our environment.  It is estimated that one mature tree, through the process of photosynthesis, can filter approximately 10 pounds of harmful toxins per year.  This includes carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gases.  Just one large, healthy tree can provide over 250 pounds of Oxygen per year into the environment!

Along with the many other reasons, you can see why trees in our environment are so valuable!

Contact your Edmonton Arborist to aid you in the selection and tree species that may be the most beneficial to your landscape and your environment.

“Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees” or CODIT for short, is a concept that was created by Dr. Alex Shigo, an American biologist and Plant Pathologist, in the 1970s.  The concept is now widely referred by, and used within the Arboriculture Industry, and referenced in other publications.  It is, in a nutshell, the concept that when trees are wounded or injured, many organisms decay the wood, in different ways and timeframes.  Further, It is how the tree responds through chemical and physiological changes and “Compartmentalizes” the wounded or injured area to prevent ongoing decay and spread to the rest of the tree. The cells in the area of the injury, in essence, form “protection” to isolate the decay from the rest of the tree.

The tree does this by the process of activating specific cells to form 4 “Walls” of protection.  The first “Wall” is the weakest, but it forms to stop the vertical spread of the decay, up through the tree’s trunk or branch.  “Wall” 2   stops the outward or horizontal spread of the decay.  The 3^rd “Wall” is the second strongest wall, and creates a “maze-like” barrier internally near the injured area.  The 4^th and final “wall” is the strongest barrier which is produced on the exterior of the tree, by closing the wound with new wood.

By understanding how your tree “heals”, a deeper comprehension and connection can be made when discussing your trees’ health with your Tree Care Professional.  Your Edmonton Arborist can help you further understand the information regarding CODIT, with full understanding of this healing concept and how your tree will respond to protect itself.   

“Growth Rings” of trees or “Annual Growth Rings” are concentric circles of new cells which a tree produces during one growing season.  A tree gets larger in diameter because it manufactures new cells around it’s circumference.  The tree’s annual rings are biological indicators which can reveal environmental events that have occurred, over a tree’s lifespan.

By looking at a cross-section of a tree’s stump or log, one can visibly see rings that can tell a story of what the growing season was like many years in the past.  A good growing year, with warm, wet weather, will produce wider concentric circles, while dry, cooler years will produce narrower ones.

Forest fires, insect infestations and even distant volcanic eruptions, have been recorded within the rings of ancient trees.  In Canada, which has a distinct winter dormancy season, growth rings are used to calculate an accurate age, of trees.  The scientific method of dating tree rings, is known as “Dendrochronology”, which has been used to date some of Canada’s oldest trees.

It is common, for Edmonton Arborists, to see signs of tree stress directly caused by the use of ice-melter and salt in our urban environment. Trees planted and growing closest to walkways and roadways are usually ones that are most affected.

During the winter months, Ice-melter and salt are common products used on walkways, roadways and parking lots, to reduce snow and ice build up in these areas.  Although these products have their purpose and place in our urban landscapes, they do have the potential to cause harm if not applied correctly in moderation.  Over time the use and applications of ice-melter and salt, can create a toxic environment, within the soil, potentially poisoning the tree or even damaging tree roots.   

The harm is done when the chemicals, such as sodium or calcium chloride leach into the soil, and are absorbed by the tree. These chemicals are toxic to the tree, and may cause immediate stress.  In many cases, it can take several seasons of salt buildup in the soil, to show tree stress.  In extreme cases, these chemicals can “burn off” the absorbing root hairs, which are essential for water and nutrient uptake.  Plants will be weakened by the interrupted balance of essential micro and macro nutrients internally, and will begin to show stress and rapid decline. Toxic amounts of salt in the soil eventually can hinder the trees’ ability to absorb enough water to survive.

Use of abrasive material such as sand or gravel for these areas, can be effective.   If an ice-melting product is required for safety reasons and to prevent injury for pedestrians or to aid in vehicle traction, then moderation should be practiced when the product is applied. Watering trees extra well in the spring and throughout the summer growing months, can be of help to leach salt away from the tree root areas.

Your Best Arborist in Edmonton, can consult with you regarding your trees and shrubs.  And as always, can guide you for the health and maintenance to beautify your landscape.