Rule #1 in trimming trees DO NOT TOP TREES. Why? By topping a tree you are removing the trees leaves and therefore it’s ability to produce food (photosynthesise). The trees natural response is to pile on rapid upright growth in an attempt to reach the sunlight. This upright growth, if left unmanaged, will often create a new crown that’s more dense than the previous crown and therefore allowing less light to the leaves. This new growth is attached to the tree at the edges of a