Should River Birches Be Topped?

Topping Method

• People top their trees to control their growth, but topping actually can have the reverse effect. When a tree is topped, its main branches are cut severely back so they are just stubs. Pruning stimulates growth, which means this can cause limbs to grow longer than before. Topping a river birch is likely to create scraggly, unattractive growth and may make the tree grow back faster.

Dangers of Topping

• Topping a river birch tree may forever ruin its graceful, natural shape as well as its shading benefits. After topping, new limbs will grow back, but they tend to be weak and more susceptible to storm damage and insect attack. To remain healthy, trees need plenty of foliage for growth and maintenance, but topping removes these nutrients, weakening the tree. The result is a river birch that is susceptible to diseases and other problems. Topping does not stop a tree from reaching its intended height, so using this method to control size will take constant pruning.

Correcting

• Once a river birch tree has been topped, it will take time and effort to correct the damage and encourage its natural growth. A certified arborist can attempt to fix the damage caused by topping by directing growth outward to create a rounded crown. This must be accomplished over the course of a few years, making it costly. To keep the tree healthy during this recovery time, provide optimal care and protect it from disease and insects.

Planning

• To avoid the problems created by topping river birches, plan ahead and use proper pruning techniques. Plant river birches away from buildings and power lines in an open area. Make sure that the fully grown tree will not interfere with nearby objects. A proper alternative to pruning for growth control is a method called "drop-crotching." Some higher branches are cut back to the lateral branches that are at least one-third the diameter of the branch where the cut is made. Cuts are made outside the branch collar. Drop-crotching will control size and growth while preserving the tree's natural shape and protecting it from disease.