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Toping Large Oak Tree

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From: Lisa K. City: Acme, PA
Can a 100 foot tall oak tree be topped? I believe the tree has to be over 50 years old and I would hate to remove it completely but it is towering my house, it is not a full rounded shape but more straight and mostly all trunk. I live in a wooded area where the trees grow naturally and are close together, I guess this is why the trees are all so tall...they grow up to get the light.
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Hi Lisa: "Topping" trees is generally not a condoned arboricultural practice as it frequently leads to future structural issues, decline, and possible mortality. Therefore, I'm not an advocate of the practice. Best, Jay
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