Can I top my trees?

Topping a tree is not an acceptable pruning technique and is not permitted by all municipalities in the Greater Montreal Area. Topping is the removal of 50% to 100% of the trees head and crown. The tree is left with large wounds that won't heal over, which leads to interior decay. The tree therefore exerts energy to create new growth called water shoots. Multiple poorly attached shoots will rapidly grow just below the decayed topping cuts. The new shoots may grow as much as 20 feet in 1 year which defeats the purpose of topping the tree in the first place. Furthermore, as these branches grow heavier they will be prone to breakage. Topping is the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Topped trees are ugly. Since topping a tree is an unacceptable practice, any damages caused by tree failure could lead to negligence charges in the court of law. Topping a tree is more expensive than pruning it properly and there are hidden expenses such as more frequent maintenance costs due to it's rapid growth.

EXCEPTION: The only exception to the topping rule applies to fruit bearing trees. Fruit trees are usually trained to be dwarfed from a young age, however if you have a large, neglected fruit tree in your yard you may reduce the height slowly over a 3 year period to avoid damaging your tree.