This time of year, you might notice neighbors having their trees “topped.” That’s when the entire crown of the tree gets cut back with a chainsaw to make it smaller or “more manageable.” It might look tidy at first glance — but topping is actually one of the worst things you can do to a tree. Sometimes trees can outgrow their space, block sunlight, or feel a little too close to your roof. But topping doesn’t fix those problems — it just creates new ones down the road.
When a tree is topped, large sections of the canopy are removed, leaving huge open wounds. Those cuts don’t heal well, which makes the tree vulnerable to decay, disease, and insect infestations. The tree’s natural response is to panic. It sends out a bunch of new shoots — fast-growing, thin branches that sprout near each cut. These new branches look like healthy growth, but they’re weakly attached and prone to breaking. Over time, as they get heavier, they can snap off in storms and cause serious damage to your home, fence, or vehicles below. So, while topping might seem like a quick, cheap solution, it actually creates long-term safety hazards and leaves the tree stressed and unhealthy.
“If your goal is to control the size or shape of a tree, there are alternatives to tree topping,” said Twon Schroeder, certified arborist and training director at Heath Outdoor in Indianapolis. “If you want to protect the longevity of your trees, don’t just call the first company you find online that offers inexpensive tree trimming services. Find a company that specializes in reduction pruning and/or thinning pruning. These are professional techniques that help guide a tree’s growth safely.”
Reduction pruning shortens select branches back to natural growth points, preserving the tree’s structure and strength. Thinning pruning carefully removes interior branches to allow more light and airflow, keeping the canopy balanced without chopping off the top.
These methods take more time and skill, which is why they should always be done by a trained arborist — not just anyone with a chainsaw and a ladder. It’s a worthwhile investment that protects your tree, your property, and your peace of mind.
In some cases, constant pruning is a sign that the tree was simply planted in the wrong spot to begin with. If a tree is too large for its space, you’ll end up fighting its natural growth year after year. When that happens, the better long-term solution may be tree removal, and replanting with a tree that’s the right size for the space. If choosing the right tree seems like a daunting task, you may want to consider a garden and landscaping consultation with landscape design experts who can help you make a long-term plan. A properly chosen tree can grow naturally without constant trimming — saving you time, money, and frustration.
Tree topping might seem like an easy shortcut, but it’s one that costs you in the long run. When it comes to managing your trees, do it right the first time — with the help of a skilled arborist and a plan that puts the tree’s health (and your safety) first.
Heath Outdoor, a premier, local, family-owned landscaping company established in 2009, proudly serves the vibrant communities of Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Strategically located in the heart of Indianapolis, we extend our expert landscaping and hardscaping services to both commercial and residential customers in Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, Zionsville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, McCordsville, Greenwood and beyond.
Custom gardens and landscapes, paver patios and walkways, water features and recreation ponds, custom outdoor fire pits and fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, pool and spa vaults, tiny houses, storage sheds, pergolas and decks, retaining walls, fencing and playgrounds.
Mowing, mulching, planting and watering service, irrigation and drainage system installation and repairs, seasonal property clean-ups, and snow and ice management. In 2024, Heath Outdoor added eco-focused private gardening and garden coaching to our property maintenance services through a partnership with Spotts Garden Service.
We’re not just in the business of landscaping—we’re in the business of finding solutions and bringing dreams to life. Whether it’s crafting breathtaking commercial outdoor spaces or creating custom outdoor living areas from scratch, we’ve got the passion, expertise, creativity and team to make it happen.
At Heath Outdoor, we’re also committed to giving back to the community, through our Juneteenth service project, annual participation in the Indy Pride parade, Butter Art Fair and Feast of Lanterns sponsorship and neighborhood beautification efforts.
Heath Outdoor is a Hurst Brothers company. Other brands in the Hurst Brothers family of companies include: Indy Insulation and Spray Company and Spotts Garden Service.
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