Underlying Beliefs and Attitudes About Topping Trees

"Topping trees has long been a problem in community forestry, not only by creating visual blight, but also by endangering the health of trees and the safety of pedestrians and property. Despite regulations in some cities and a long history of educational campaigns, the practice continues. In this study, a survey was conducted in one region of the United States to determine the reasons behind the continuing practice, in part by directly interviewing people who had requested or allowed their shade trees to be topped. The survey investigated attitudes toward topping, knowledge of basic tree care, how the individuals receive advice related to tree care, how their topping service was obtained, and related sociodemographic characteristics. A second survey was conducted among tree care companies in the same study area to allow comparisons and determine policies toward topping."