News Flash

Home

Posted on: July 22, 2022

No More Tree Topping, Please

ToppedTree

We have all seen them—trees that look like they have been beheaded. The technical term for what has befallen these trees is “tree topping.” Tree topping refers to the indiscriminate cutting of central tree branches to stubs and/or upper or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for tree topping include “heading,” “tipping,” “hat racking,” and “rounding over.”  And to be clear—the Village of Olympia Fields’ tree ordinance prohibits this harmful practice.

The most common reason given for topping is to reduce the size of a tree. Homeowners often feel that their trees have become too large for their property. They fear that tall trees may pose a hazard to their homes. Topping, however, is not a viable method of height reduction and certainly does not reduce the potential for hazard. In fact, topping may make the tree more hazardous in the long term.

Reasons not to top your trees

Tree topping is perhaps the most damaging tree pruning method known. Here are several reasons you should NEVER top a tree:

  1. Tree topping is hazardous to the tree and, ultimately, your home;
  2. Tree topping disfigures the tree, making it unsightly;
  3. Tree topping can lead to sunburn of the existing tree trunk, which can cause decay;
  4. Tree topping stresses trees, which can lead to the death of the remaining tree; and
  5. Tree topping is expensive.

Moreover, a stressed tree is more vulnerable to insect and disease infestations. Large, open pruning wounds expose the sapwood and heartwood to attacks. The tree may lack sufficient energy to chemically defend the wounds against invasion, particularly from those insects that are attracted to the chemicals that trees release. Branches within a tree’s crown produce thousands of leaves to absorb sunlight. When the leaves are removed, the remaining branches and trunk are abruptly exposed to high levels of light and heat. The resulting sunburn of the tissues beneath the bark can lead to the development of cankers, bark splitting, and the death of some branches.

Alternatives to topping

Sometimes a tree must be reduced in height or spread (e.g., to provide clearance for utility lines or to protect the physical structure of the home). In these cases, there are recommended methods of branch reduction, other than tree topping, which can help preserve the natural form of the tree. If practical, branches should be cut back to their point of origin. If a branch is shortened, it should be cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role. As a rule of thumb, cut back to a lateral that is at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed. Before cutting, it is wise to consult a licensed arborist for the best recommendations on appropriate height reduction methods.

What tree topping means for our neighborhoods

Topped trees lower the value of your home and the homes of your neighbors. A proliferation of tree topping can make neighborhoods appear blighted and can signal the beginning of neighborhood deterioration.

 The Village of Olympia Fields is a Tree City USA awardee, and as such, we take pride in our wooded, tree-lined neighborhoods and parks. Moreover, our trees improve air quality, promote a healthy environment, and bring beauty to our community.

 So, please…No More Tree Topping!

 Additional information on tree topping

Research tree topping online or at your local library. For additional information on the Village’s tree topping rules and regulations, please contact the Village’s Public Works Department at 708-503-8000 ext. 3530.

Submitted by Susan Moroney, Vice-Chair of the Beautification Committee

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Home

OF_logo_on_green_villagehomepage

"Hold the Line" Tax Levy

Posted on: December 20, 2022
OF_logo_on_green_villagehomepage

Staff Highlights: Finance Department

Posted on: November 14, 2022
OF_logo_on_green_villagehomepage

Someone You Should Know: Pamela Oliver

Posted on: November 14, 2022
OF_logo_on_green_villagehomepage

Halloween Candy Giveaway

Posted on: November 16, 2022
OF_logo_on_green_villagehomepage

Bagworms Are Out to Get Your Trees!

Posted on: November 15, 2022
Black Hall of Fame Logo

It’s Awards Season

Posted on: July 18, 2022
branches

Branch Pickup Program

Posted on: March 23, 2022
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-03

Village Alert: 211th Metra Parking Lot

Posted on: February 1, 2022
Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics

Rich Township Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics

Posted on: January 14, 2022
CC_Small

Christmas Carol in the Park

Posted on: December 3, 2021
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-04

Village Hall Closure Notice

Posted on: November 24, 2021
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-02

The Olympia Fields Christmas Carol

Posted on: November 24, 2021
COVID-19-BOOSTER-SHOTS-2

What is a Covid-19 Booster Shot?

Posted on: November 5, 2021
Scott Morgan

Retiring Police Chief Scott Morgan

Posted on: October 29, 2021
Halloween-Candy-Give-Away_Olympia-Fields-IL-

Halloween Candy Give Away

Posted on: October 22, 2021
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-02

Beautification Committee 50/50 Tree Program

Posted on: September 18, 2021
FreeCovidVaccinationVan

FREE COVID-19 Vaccinations

Posted on: August 27, 2021
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-03

Graymoor Force Main Project Update

Posted on: August 20, 2021
ComEd CARES

ComEd Payment Assistant Solutions

Posted on: August 20, 2021
CoffeeforChampions

Coffee for Champions

Posted on: August 13, 2021
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-03

Graymoor Force Main Project Update

Posted on: August 6, 2021
Olympia Fields Park District

Budo Martial Arts Classes

Posted on: July 30, 2021
Blood Drive

Blood Drive on September 2nd

Posted on: July 30, 2021
92b1ee57-f77a-4bad-b302-025c7d461010-portlandheadlight

A Trip to Beautiful Maine

Posted on: July 29, 2021
movies

Movies in the Park!

Posted on: July 22, 2021
carshow

Classic Car Show on August 7

Posted on: July 22, 2021
No Plastic

Plastic Free July

Posted on: June 18, 2021
Village of Olympia Fields_icons-03

Let’s Fight COVID Together!

Posted on: June 11, 2021
Metra Logo

Metra to Increase Service

Posted on: June 11, 2021
Village President

Letter from the Village President

Posted on: May 28, 2021
ComEd Offers Options to Help Customers Manage Electric Bills

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Posted on: May 28, 2021
News Placeholder Image

Community Shred Day on June 12

Posted on: May 14, 2021
UPS Hodgkins May events flyer

UPS Hiring Events

Posted on: May 14, 2021
Water Colors

Zoom Art Classes For Kids

Posted on: April 16, 2021
Amazon Worker

Amazon Launching in University Park!

Posted on: April 2, 2021
Restore IL

Restore Illinois Plan

Posted on: March 19, 2021
of-homepage

Open Enrollment Has Begun

Posted on: February 15, 2021
Road Closure

Village of Flossmoor Vollmer Road Closure

Posted on: February 14, 2021
State Seal of Illinois

The Governor's Executive Order 2020-74

Posted on: December 15, 2020
New Police Logo

A Message from the Chief of Police

Posted on: November 20, 2020
of-homepage copy

Like Us on Facebook!

Posted on: August 27, 2020
facemask

Guidance on the use of face masks

Posted on: April 20, 2020
sba logo

SBA Loans Available

Posted on: March 20, 2020
Walgreens Logo

Walgreens: We're here for our seniors

Posted on: April 20, 2020