Why is topping conifers a bad idea?

After removing the main leader, lateral branches compete to become the new top. This creates co-dominant leaders with weak attachment, increased movement in wind, and reduced long-term stability.

What are co-dominant leaders?

Co-dominant leaders are two or more competing tops growing from the same point. They push against each other, often forming included bark and weak structural attachment.

Why does topping reduce tree stability?

Removing the natural leader changes tree mechanics. The trunk flexes more in wind and new leaders shift the center of gravity, making the tree less stable over time.

Is topping also a problem for deciduous trees?

Yes. Large topping cuts can allow water intrusion and decay. Proper pruning requires clean cuts, smooth surfaces, and sometimes wound treatment to reduce risk.

Should wound sealant be used on conifers?

Usually not. Conifers produce resin that naturally seals wounds. Clean cuts with sharp tools and minimal bark damage are more important.

Why does topping complicate future tree removal?

Trees with multiple leaders have uneven weight distribution and unpredictable behavior. They are harder to climb and often require careful sectional dismantling.

Why tree topping (especially conifers) is a bad idea

“Can’t we just shorten it?” – this is one of the most common requests for tall trees. Most often these are spruce, pine, or fir trees that reach 15–25 meters and seem too tall.

The typical solution is so-called tree topping – removing the top of the tree and leaving the rest of the crown. At first glance, this looks like a simple and cheap solution. In practice, however, topping often creates an even more dangerous tree.

Topping does not fix the tree. It only postpones the problem.

Within a few years, new leaders form, attachments weaken, and the tree becomes even riskier than before.

What happens after topping a conifer

When the main leader of a conifer is removed – whether at 5 meters or 20 meters – the tree loses its natural top. Existing lateral branches begin to take over the role of the new leader.

These branches start growing upward and “compete” with each other to become the new top. This often results in two, three, or more co-dominant leaders emerging from the same point.

This situation also occurs in nature – for example when wind or heavy snow breaks the top. The tree then continues growing with two or more leaders.

In a forest this usually isn't a problem. The tree has space around it and a failed top does not threaten roofs, fences, or utility lines. In a garden or near a house, however, such a tree becomes significantly more dangerous.

Instead of one stable leader, multiple tops form with weaker attachment. Over time they push against each other and shift the tree’s center of gravity. This is why topping conifers is problematic in the long term.

The problem is that these new leaders:

do not grow from a natural terminal leader
have weaker attachment to the trunk
grow at an angle
form co-dominant leaders over time
shift the center of gravity away from the trunk axis

After 10–20 years, instead of one straight tree you may end up with two or three leaning “trees” at the top.

Removing the top also changes the mechanics of the entire tree. The natural leader helps stabilize the trunk, and once removed the tree begins to flex more in the wind. This is easy to observe in practice – lean a ladder against a tree with an intact top, then against the same tree after topping. The difference in flexibility is noticeable. The topped tree behaves “softer” and moves more in the trunk.

This effect increases over time. As weight distribution changes and new leaning leaders form, the tree moves more and stability decreases. Topping therefore does not solve the height problem – it often creates a tree that is less stable than the original.

This becomes a problem both for stability and for future removal. The center of gravity is no longer predictable and the tree behaves unpredictably.

Co-dominant leaders on a topped conifer — After topping, existing branches begin to take over as new leaders. In a few years, this will no longer be one tree but multiple leaning tops with weak attachment.

Co-dominant leaders and wood pressure

When two leaders grow from the same point, a co-dominant structure forms. The smaller the angle between them, the greater the pressure between them.

Each year, new growth rings push the leaders apart. At the attachment point, the following often develops:

included bark
weak structural attachment
wood cracking
risk of splitting in wind

Conifers handle these situations worse than deciduous trees. In strong wind, such a leader can simply break off.

Topping significantly complicates future tree removal

A tree with one leader has a predictable center of gravity. After topping, multiple leaders with different angles and weights form.

This means:

harder to plan the direction of fall
unpredictable behavior during cutting
risk of rotation
dangerous climbing conditions

Such trees often must be dismantled in sections. Why they cannot be safely felled from the ground is explained in the article why a tree cannot simply be cut from the bottom .

Topping deciduous trees is not just cut and done

Topping is more common with deciduous trees, but even here it is not a simple cut. A large wound creates a high risk of decay.

Proper technique includes:

clean cut with sharp tools
smooth surface without torn wood
angled cut to prevent water pooling
wound treatment using sealant or grafting wax when appropriate

If the cut is done poorly, water collects in the wound and decay begins. The tree may then gradually decline over several years.

Sealant is not used on conifers

Conifers react differently than deciduous trees. After cutting, they release resin which naturally seals the wound.

Therefore for spruce, pine, or thuja:

wound sealant is not used
wax is not used
cuts must be clean and smooth
tools must be sharp

Resin is aggressive and usually prevents fungi and insects from entering. However, this only works when cuts are clean and bark is not damaged.

Risk of bark tearing and barberchair

Topping also carries mechanical risks. If done incorrectly, it can cause:

bark tearing down the trunk
trunk splitting (barberchair)
damage to structural wood
permanent loss of stability

Such damage cannot be repaired and the tree remains hazardous.

Real example

The following example shows a deciduous tree that was improperly topped about four years ago. The tree attempted to produce new shoots but later began to decline.

Improperly topped hornbeam tree — Improperly topped hornbeam – large wound, dieback, and unstable new growth.

Topping often creates a tree that will become more dangerous over time.

Instead of one stable leader, multiple weak tops develop.

Conclusion

Shortening a tree may look like a quick solution. In reality, it often leads to weaker leaders, reduced stability, and more complicated removal later.

Especially for conifers, topping is usually just postponing the problem.

Want to know the best solution?

Send photos of the tree and surroundings — I will suggest a safe approach without unnecessary risks.

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