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Why Tree Lopping is Controversial and How It Can Affect The Value of Your Home

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 20 March 2019 02:50

Trees provide shade and shelter to us and our properties while providing aesthetic beauty in the garden when well maintained. For some with big strong trees in the back yard, they also provided for playtime for the kids with treehouses and swings.

What is Tree Lopping?

For those not in the industry, the term ‘tree lopping’ is used very loosely with the intent to reduce down the size of a tree or even to remove a tree. Tree lopping is the removal of the top of a trees foliage where the whole top of the tree is cut off (also known as tree topping). This leaves behind small branches and stubs where the trees have to try and sprout new growth.

Problems Caused by Tree Lopping

Contrary to popular belief that lopping a tree encourages tree growth, lopping a tree causes it to stress and potentially die. For the trees that do survive lopping, the regrowth are not from growth points of a tree which means that any new shoots will always have a weak point where the tree was lopped.

In the short term if a tree dies as a result of lopping, it will become necessary to have it removed. A dead tall tree stump can cause damage if it breaks and falls or alternatively rotting wood and dead wood can attract other issues to your garden and the flora around.

In the long term, if the tree survives then the home occupier will need to regularly maintain the tree. With weaker regrowth, a common problem with weak branches is breakage. If the branch breaks, it could cause property or even personal damage if someone happened to be under the tree.

Alternatives to Tree Lopping

In some circumstances tree lopping may be necessary but there may be alternative options or methods to tree lopping. If you are not trained in arboriculture, it makes sense to talk to your local tree specialist.

Use a Qualified Tree Specialist / Qualified Arborist

It is always advisable to at least consult with your local tree specialist or a qualified arborist. While general tradespeople can help you to cut down or lop a tree, they are not necessarily trained in arboriculture and are not aware of the impacts or future issues that may occur from simply cutting branches.

For your own safety, rather than taking to a ladder and saw yourself, using a qualified specialist also means that you do not have the risk of falling and injuring yourself. Tree specialists are also skilled in climbing and working in dangerous situations. In the unlikely event of an accident, they should also be adequately insured for the jobs that they undertake.

How Tree Lopping Affects the Value of Your Home

Unsightly trees are a turnoff to buyers even if they do not have an interest in gardening. Big trees with lots of overgrowth which have not been well maintained not only look unsightly, they also pose possible concerns which an astute buyer would quite easily identify.

Maintenance – In addition to the look and appeal of the trees, regular maintenance needs to be taken into consideration by the buyer. If trees are presented well and does not pose risks or has already been well maintained, then it would be expected that ongoing maintenance should be nominal.

Property Damage – If a tree is causing or looks like it may cause property damage then the buyer will need to consider whether they want to maintain the tree or have it removed. Damage could be from falling branches or even from roots growing and pushing through pavements.

Costs if a tree needs to be removed - If a tree needs to be removed, there may be other factors to consider such as council approvals to remove etc. All these will have an impact on the buyer and ultimately the value on your home.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to lop a tree, consult with your local qualified arborist to get the best advice. There may be alternatives available or it may be better in the long run to have the qualified and experienced professional handle the job for the reasons mentioned above.

Nigel Williams founded Williams Tree Pro Services in 2005 and has built a strong reputation for the work carried out by the team. Nigel also has an active involvement in the industry and the community involved in events such as the tree championships promoting the skills that arborists have to the public while also improving the skills and techniques of the operators within the industry.

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Williams

https://www.williamstreepro.com.au
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