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Soft maple trees

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From: Linda Smith
City:
Fairview, IL
I have three large soft maple trees in my yard. Their branches are not near my house but the trees themselves (approx 35 years old) are tall enough that should they fall, they would each hit the house. With recent storms, I wondered about pruning and the overall health of the trees. A local tree service rep came last night and suggested "topping" all three trees to reduce their height, though he said they were all very healthy. I have read that topping is discouraged. Should I have them topped/pruned/trimmed? or leave them as they are and enjoy them?

 
Extension Message
From: Jay Hayek
Extension Specialist, Forestry
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
jhayek@illinois.edu
Greetings Linda:

Do not "top" your trees and futhermore, healthy trees certainly do not need to be topped!!! I would strongly encourage you to secure a second opinion from a qualified and certified arborist.

http://www.illinoisarborist.org/CertifiedArboristsNew.htm

Get a second opinion!!!

 
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