The term “tree lopper” is a common name used to describe someone who lops trees for a job. Many people on the Central Coast NSW still refer to Arborists and other tree service providers as tree loppers. Tree lopping or tree topping, is an antiquated method of tree pruning, where the top of a tree is cut off -“topped” or “lopped”. This is done for many reasons, mainly safety and aesthetics or to stimulate new growth, opening up views, allowing more light, and reduced chance of property damage. These are all valid reasons. However, the average persons knowledge of proper tree care is very limited, topping or lopping of trees actually causes more damage and makes trees unhealthy and potentially more dangerous.

Lopping trees creates wounds that open the tree to decay causing organisms, which can make your tree start to rot from the inside out.

Tree lopping removes all the leaves off a tree which means the tree bark is open to sunburn, creating wounds for fungi and pests to get into.

The new shoots that form around a topping cut are emergency shoots,which stem from buds in the bark. They are only attached to the bark, so when they grow large, they are highly susceptible to peel off.

Topping a tree requires little knowledge of tree care, in fact anyone with a saw can do it. Tree service operators who are ignorant of proper tree pruning practices really are amateurs, that have no regard for customers long term safety.

What is the alternative to hiring a tree lopper Central Coast when dealing with your trees? The answer is simple. Hire a qualified Central Coast Arborist for advice on all your trees needs, starting with proper plant selection and tree placement. Have your trees inspected every 12 months so tree defects can be dealt with before they become a problem. Inspect your trees after severe weather events to avoid unseen storm damage. An arborist is often referred to as a tree surgeon or tree doctor. The Arborist category is divided into consulting Arborists and practicing Arborists. Consulting Arborists mainly do tree inspections and tree reports and give advice on tree health and tree care – they give advice like a doctor might a patient advice. They often refer any actual work on a tree to a tree surgeon or practicing Arborist (tree lopper). The practicing arborist is trained in tree climbing, tree pruning, tree surgery,rigging, tree cutting, tree felling among many other things.

What is the alternative to tree lopping? Trees can be pruned in more creative and respectful ways than tree lopping. Proper reduction pruning can be done to reduce size, height or width of some species. Thinning of the canopy can also allow more light or open views without ruining a trees structural integrity. Next option – if you really dont like your tree – then just remove it completely. Be sure to check your local Council regulations before undertaking tree removal as there are severe penalties for unlawful damage to or removal of significant tree species. Please click here to be directed to Wyong Councils Tree Removal Policy and here for Gosford Councils Tree Removal Application Form.

And remember, rather than look for a tree lopper on the Central Coast or Gosford, choose an Arborist for your next tree pruning or tree removal job.