Cutting a large fir tree down to size?

Question

I have some large fir trees approx 25 to 30 feet high. I would like to have them reduced by half, square cut across the top. The tree surgeon said he would cut approx 8 to 10 feet off but not 15 foot as it could kill the tree and he would be liable. Is this a possibility and is there any law which would hold a tree surgeon responsible

I realise that cutting a tree down by a large amount could allow infection or stress to kill it off. But would it matter if it was 8 feet or 15 feet?

Answer 1

topping any tree looks awful, but on a large fir it would be right close to the ugliest thing I'd ever see..... you've got a bad idea.... if you don't like the trees, cut them down and don't top them and leave them to die a slow and uglier death... your tree man is aching to NOT do the job cuz he's a bright feller..... and he's wise in his choice of how much he'll cut if you insist on this terrible thing....

look thru these pics.... how many of those topped trees look dead to you?.... yeah....none of them are pretty anymore!!... and if you notice, the ugliness done by the tree trimmers that cut out for power lines is un-natural and just plain UGLY.... right?... again... if it's a problem , take it all the way out, please!!...

pictures...

http://images.google.com/images?ndsp=20&...

info on not topping...

http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments...

Answer 2

Narrow needled tree like firs, spruce, pine, grow from the top.  They don't put out axillary shoots when cut back past the part of the tree that is currently growing, so cutting more than 1/3 of the tree off would be cutting back to non-growing wood. The tree would die.

Trust the arborist.  He knows what he's talking about.  You don't want a dead tree in your hard, but if you do, just cut the whole thing down.

Answer 3

why don't you have the tree trimmer cut all the lower branches off til the top half or third remains?  this is way cheaper and is very cool looking.  save some shade and save some dollars.  please think about it.

Answer 4

He's the expert, and he's right. You shouldn't take more than about 1/3off.

If you want more, then it needs to be done in two stages so as not to 'shock' the tree.