Response of Forest-Grown Trees to Topping

Abstract

Mortality of topped trees, four and five years after partial crown removal, was low. Several smaller trees died from exposure after the protection of overhead trees had been removed. Height growth of topped trees was rapid. After topping, dominant trees grew at an annual rate of 0.77 m (2.54 ft) and co-dominants at a rate of 0.68 m (2.22 ft). Height growth of smaller trees was much less. Unless topping removes a major portion of the crown, diameter growth is not seriously affected. Diameter growth of topped trees during the five years after topping was only slightly less than during the five years prior to topping.