Topping trees makes them weaker, unsafe

Our big tree recently had several major (rotten) branches break off. I want to take down the entire tree because it looks compromised now, but my husband wants to just top it to a lower level.

I don’t like the look of a tree that’s been topped. What do you recommend?

Topping is a technique that is no longer performed by reputable tree service companies because the new growth that it stimulates is weakly attached. It actually makes the tree weaker and unsafe.

However, there are other techniques for lowering a tree.

You can contact tree service companies with an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture to assess your tree, typically at no charge (though they do charge for work done).

You can locate an arborist at treesaregood.org.

My Magnolia soulangeana was so

beautiful one day and so brown the next!

It killed me to see the frost “toast” the flowers. How can I prevent a repeat?

Your options are to replace it or move it. The “Little Girl” series of tulip magnolias developed by the National Arboretum blooms later in the spring than this species by about two weeks.

Using this variety would reduce the possibility of frost damage.

Cultivars include ‘Ann,’ ‘Betty,’ ‘Jane,’ ‘Judy,’ ‘Pinkie,’ ‘Randy,’ ‘Rickie,’ and ‘Susan.’

Also, you will get the best flower success with a tree that is not planted on the south side of buildings. Southern exposure creates a microclimate around the tree that warms it up early, causing early blooms that are subject to frost damage.

University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center offers free gardening and pest information at extension.umd.edu/hgic. Click “Ask Maryland’s Gardening Experts” to send questions and photos.