Lopping

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lopping also known as Tree Lopping and Topping is the cutting of trunks and branches on trees in an attempt to contain the size of a tree or the shape.

Lopping is differentiated from other styles of pruning by where the cuts are made. If the cuts are made internodal, or not at branch unions and collars at the correct angles leaving a piece of timber protruding that is called a stub.

Lopping in many cases is considered an inappropriate pruning method for amenity trees. The lopped stubs may regrow adventitious epicormic shoots which are only bonded to the bark. The epicormic shoots grow vigorously and unless regulary pruned off may out grow the original height and spread of the tree. Furthermore the ends of the lopped stubs are exposed to pathogens which may enter and infect the tree.

In orchards fruit trees are often lopped to encourage regrowth and maintain a smaller tree for ease of picking fruit. The pruning regime in orchards is more planned and the trees' productivity is an important factor. But it must be noted that orchards are a business where a trees' longevity is compromised for its productive fruiting value. Trees are also monitored and treated with fungicides and insecticides to minimise losses.

Tree lopping is considered an incorrect pruning practice by many authorities.

Sources ... http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/StopLop.html

http://www.plantamnesty.org/stoptopping/5reasonstostoptopping.htm

http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/topping.aspx