What Is Tree Topping (or “Top Reduction”)?

Have you ever considered getting your trees topped? Sometimes also called “top reduction,” this practice involves cutting a tree’s upper branches or canopy dramatically—often leaving large stubs or multiple new “leaders” where the original top was removed.

In the past, especially in areas with tall spruce trees (which you’ll find around Calgary and places like Redwood Meadows), some tree companies offered topping as a quick way to reduce height. But it’s still being offered today in some places—despite being widely considered a poor pruning practice. Research and arboricultural guidance have condemned it for decades. 

Here at Red Mountain Rigging, we simply will not top trees. As certified arborists, we assess each tree’s species, structure, health, and risk—and topping often goes against those criteria.

Why Topping Is Dangerous for Trees

Tree Health – Putting the Tree into Shock

When a tree is topped, a large portion (sometimes 50 %–100 %) of its leaf canopy is removed. Since leaves are the tree’s “food factories” (through photosynthesis), removing them reduces the tree’s ability to generate energy.
The tree may attempt a drastic growth spurt in response—but this rapid new growth is often weak and vulnerable. Or worse, the tree may not have the energy reserves to recover and will decline. 

Weak New Growth (“Water Sprouts”)

One of the most common responses to topping: water sprouts. These are rapid, vertical shoots that come up after the tree has been “shocked.” Because they grow fast and from points not designed to be major leaders, they tend to be structurally weak and highly likely to fail.
In spruce trees in particular (common in your region), you’ll often see multiple upright shoots fighting for dominance where the original leader was removed. Each of these “new tops” is precarious and may break out during wind, ice or snow loads.

Increased Risk of Disease, Insects & Internal Decay

When a tree is topped, you leave large wounds, often near the main stem or trunk. Trees have limited capacity to “compartmentalize” these wounds (i.e., isolate the injury and prevent decay spread). Topping often exceeds what the tree can properly heal.
These wounds become entry points for insects, pathogens and decay fungi. Over time the tree can become hollow or internally weak—even if it appears healthy on the outside.

Increased Safety Risk and Liability

Here’s a twist: topping is sometimes done to reduce height, and thereby reduce risk. Ironically, it often increases risk. Weak new leaders, large wounds, compromised structure—these all can lead to branch or top failure.
From a liability perspective, many arboricultural bodies consider topping an unacceptable practice. If a tree that was topped fails and causes damage or injury, the tree owner (or service provider) may be found negligent. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Topping Trees

Is topping ever acceptable?
No. Most professional arborists, tree care associations and forestry extension services strongly advise against it. The risks and long‑term consequences far outweigh any short‑term “height reduction” benefit. 

What are the alternatives to topping if I need to reduce tree height?
Yes—there are better, more tree‑friendly options. These include:

• Crown reduction pruning: selectively shorten branches to laterals large enough to assume a terminal role, preserving structure.
  
  
• Proper thinning: removing selected branches to reduce wind resistance or weight.
  
  
• Complete removal and replanting: if the tree is too large or in a poorly suited site.
  
  

Will tree topping save me money?
Actually, no. Topped trees tend to require more frequent maintenance, have higher failure risk, and may need removal sooner. Research shows the cost over time is higher.

Does topping help my tree stay shorter?
Not really. Because the tree responds with fast, weak growth (water sprouts), the tree may regrow rapidly and require repeated cuts. The underlying structural problem isn’t solved.

Does topping apply differently to conifers (like spruce) than to deciduous trees?
Yes—spruce and many conifer species respond poorly to topping. They don’t regrow strong leaders easily, and removing major portions of their canopy can disrupt their growth and defense mechanisms much more severely than some hardy deciduous species. 

What You Should Do If You’re Considering Tree Height Reduction

1. Have a professional arborist evaluate the tree: species, health, structure, risk, and your goals.
   
   
2. Discuss alternatives: crown reduction, branch shortening, thinning, removal + replacement.
   
   
3. Avoid contractors who advertise “topping” or “hat‑racking” as a normal service.
   
   
4. Ensure any cuts are made to proper lateral branches, without leaving stubs, and that the tree can seal the wound safely.
   
   
5. Plan for the long term: even if height is reduced now, consider that the tree needs good structure, defense against pests, and a future lifespan.
   
   

Final Thoughts: Height Isn’t Everything — Health Is

Topping might look like a quick fix—but when you peel back the layers, it causes structural weakness, disease susceptibility, unpredictable growth and increased risk. For communities like ours around Calgary, where trees are valued and hazards (wind, snow, wildlife, neighbour safety) matter, choosing the right pruning or removal path matters.

At Red Mountain Rigging, we stand for safe, sustainable, professional tree care. If you have a spruce or other tree that’s too tall, leaning, or interfering with your space, please reach out. We’ll evaluate it, lay out your options honestly, and help you make the best call—for your property, your safety, and your trees.