Tree condition associated with topping in Southern Illinois communities

Abstract

Twenty-seven percent of trees surveyed in southern Illinois communities showed evidence of topping. Topped trees were nearly 3 times more frequently classified as likely to fail structurally than those individuals not subjected to topping. Frequency of broken branches in the crown, evidence of insect or disease infestation, and cavities in the bole were also greater in topped trees. While the design of this study did not allow determination of a cause-and-effect relationship, increased incidence of conditions associated with tree failure was observed in topped versus nontopped trees.