Improper Pruning of Trees Is Shocking

* I am constantly shocked, appalled and amazed at the care of trees in Los Angeles and the Conejo Valley area. I am shocked at the way these trees look after they have been “topped,” that is, trimmed so drastically that little is left of the branches and leaves.

I am amazed to see no reason for this (i.e., overhead wires or other trees), and appalled that this horrendous practice is done by people calling themselves tree-care professionals. I have also seen this despicable practice on street trees. Cities and towns should have at the very least a forester if not an arborist to oversee the care of these valuable assets.

I am an arboriculture student in my senior year at the University of Massachusetts. I have also practiced proper tree care for 12-plus years as a professional. Topping is detrimental to the tree in every respect.

Without trees there would be no life. We need trees. Trees do not need us. Proper pruning of trees enhances structural soundness, safety and aesthetic value. For these detrimental practices to continue in this day and age of town foresters, oak tree consultants and experienced arborists is utter lunacy.

When a tree is topped, the problems only begin. First, the leaves are being removed, by a third or more in particularly heinous cases. The leaves absorb sunlight which the tree needs to thrive and survive. And the trees have an open wound that may let damaging insects in and weaken the structure of the tree when and if it grows back.

Properly maintained, healthy trees can raise the value of a property by 25%. Just say no to tree topping.

JIM McGEE

Westlake Village