What is the difference between Tree Topping and Pollarding a tree?

Topping differs from pollarding. Although both are distinct practices, pollarding involves making internodal cuts, primarily for street trees in high traffic zones, and should be performed exclusively by a qualified ISA certified arborist. Proper establishment of pollarding takes several years.

Topping involves the indiscriminate removal of the crown from larger trees, affecting both dominant and subordinate branches. This practice is leading to the death of our old growth cottonwood and elm trees in Churchill County and throughout Northern Nevada.

If someone comes to your home or business and claims that topping your trees is acceptable, they are being unethical and incorrect. Arboricultural science clearly indicates this. A century of research supports this conclusion. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. The regret will be lifelong, and the damage cannot be undone.

An ISA Certified Arborist undergoes years of education, followed by extensive practical training, and adheres to the ISA Code of Ethics. They consistently offer clients the most up-to-date solutions for all tree-related issues. Therefore, allowing individuals who are not ISA Certified Arborists to prune your trees means entrusting them to people who are not qualified arborists, but merely individuals improperly cutting your trees.

ISA International Society of Arboriculture Code of Ethics (adopted August 1992)

• Striving for continuous self-development by increasing their qualifications and technical proficiency by staying abreast of technological and scientific developments affecting the profession.

• Not misuse or omit material facts in promoting technical information products or services if the effect would be to mislead or misrepresent.

• Hold paramount the safety and health of all people, and endeavor to protect property and the environment in the performance of professional responsibilities.

• Subscribe to fair and honest business practices in dealing with clients, suppliers, employees, and other professionals.

• Support the improvement of professional services and products through encouraging research and development.

• Observe the standards and promote adherence to the ethics embodied in this code.

Always verify you are working with a Certified Arborist. Our ISA, International Society of Arboriculture, Certifications can be researched at treesaregood.org.

MD Tree Surgery Owner, Marco DiGiacinto's, ISA # WE-10213A and foreman, Zakk Thomas, ISA # WE- 13314A.