Can oak trees be topped? Is it a good idea to top them even if they can be topped?

Greetings Susan!

Thank you for your questions. Firstly, yes - oak trees can be topped. HOWEVER, ‘topping’ IS NOT a recommended practice for any tree, regardless of species or size (Source: International Society of Arboriculture). The subject of ‘topping’ trees is especially controversial along community right-of-ways. Topping reduces the photosynthetic engine of the tree (i.e., its leaf area); decreases vigor; increases susceptibility to insect, disease, and internal decay; reduces aesthetic value; severely alters your tree’s silhouette; creates potential future ‘breakage’ hazards from poorly structured crown/branches; and is time consuming and expensive to maintain.

Most experts agree that ‘topping’ is not only detrimental to the tree, but also unnecessary. Moreover, the practice of ‘topping’ is not a condoned practice in the professional forestry and arboriculture community. If you need to prune your tree, hire a certified arborist who knows how to care for your tree in an appropriate and diligent manner.

Hope this answered your question :-)

I have a live oak that was planted 6 years ago. It has thrived, but is growing taller (~18')than the 5.5" trunk can support. It became a problem during hurricanes over the last two years, with the trunk bending and loosening the root system. I currently have it supported to keep it straight, but this is a temporary solution. Any suggestions on how to beef up the trunk girth since topping is not recommended?

Hi John:

Due to the nature of some questions, I'm going to recommend that you contact your local Clemson Extension office in your home state of South Carolina:

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/co/index.html

Best of luck!

I have three 50+ year old Florida Oak tree in my back yard. I had to infill my back yard with about 3 feet (50+ dump truck) of dirt all around. Will something happen to my trees? Please call me 305-979-5843

I read Jay Haydek's comments about "topping" pin oaks (found through a Google search). What's your opinion about topping a pin oak to remove drying crown. We have a large pin oak that has been dying back for some years. However it has a fair amount of good foliage in the lower 40%. Our only option may be to remove it completely but wondering if it could be topped to reduce the risk of falling wood and get some more years out of it both for shade and wildlife habitat. I've also reached out to independent (i.e., don't work for tree removal companies) arborists to get a consultation.

Hi Mark:

As explained by the International Society of Arboriculture, there are several alternatives to "topping" trees. To learn more about these alternatives, please schedule an on-site assessment with an ISA certified arborist in your home state of Virginia :-)

Best of luck!