Cardiff school: what will we learn ?


Ash tree topped in 2011 Encinitas CA.

 Topping hurts trees and costs money. Staying positive is a virtue, but not all history lessons are “fairy tales” or “love stories”. Sometimes we need to look at the obvious tree cutting gone wrong!. Basically, in order for us to learn about trees and grow as a tree loving community, someone needs to point out what is going on here in Encinitas. Trees can grow, but not very well after this tree cutting of this Ash tree. There is a much better way to “reduce” a tree or perform proper crown reduction.

This ash was topped for a view above Cardiff elementary school.

This tree at the South east corner of the Cardiff school was “trimmed” a little too much… Well, actually way too much tree cutting happened here! This actually happened because a “neighbor” wanted a better view of the ocean.  No naming names, but the guy lives on top of the hill and sells palm trees. He paid some tree company to com in and mutilate a lot of the trees at the school. including the torrey pines which were just stripped out (described in another post). There is a much better way to reduce a tree or perform proper crown reduction. A good arborist is hard to find but there is one in Encinitas.

Ficus trees  are very resiliant and able to withstand or “recover” quickly from heavy cutting. However does this look good? If the tree survives this sun shock and lack of shade, it will respond with a vengence! The new profuse sucker growth will grow back at a rate of 2-3 times faster. The new growth is not as healthy and will be more brittle.

Ficus tree “topped” at Cardiff school

Does this tree look right?

International Society of Arboriculture

An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. The question is; Do all “arborists” do the correct thing?

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. To maintain an arborist certification, one must keep up with continuing education units. Some Arborists actually study and want to really learn while others just go to the easy and fun Arborist seminars and confrences and collect CEU’s.AKA (continuing education units). These conferences are very educational- Don’t get me wrong, but I have seen some guys actually sign in, disappear, and then return later to sign out. THATS CHEATING!

Some tree services like to use arboriculture terms when they are really just hacking trees. For example, I was at a chevron gas station in Encinitas, and tree company from Los Angeles, just mutilating these poor Sycamore trees. I approached the guy in the man lift truck and asked, “what are you doing?” He said,

“Crown reduction”.

I said, “NO your not. Your just topping the trees!”

The trees were basically ruined.

Source: International Society of Arboriculture

Bad Tree Trimming

Before we look at all the great photos of tree trimming on this site. There are a few things to be said as arborists.. Most people enjoy and appreciate trees. However, I feel the general public, tree trimmers, and even some so called arborists need to be educated on proper tree care.


Torrey pine ruined – (lower limbs cut off). Top heavy

We see all kinds of trees everyday. I find that correct tree pruning is an art. Tree trimming, thinning, lacing, crown reduction, etc. can be done differently on different trees. Topping is not recommended but happens all the time. “Topping” is an industry term for stubbing off the top of the tree and ends of the branches. Unfortunately there is no law against mutilating trees. Bad tree trimming can actually cost a tree owner more time and money in the long run. Fortunately, there are industry standards set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture. and ANZI 300. Most Certified Arborists follow these guidelines and standards. Some Arborists go above and beyond and help create beautiful natural specimen trees. Most “tree cutters” just cut for the sake of cutting. “Topping” a tree is not the only mistake a tree cutter can make. “Lion tailing” or stripping out a tree is also a common mistake.  When pruning a tree, it is relatively easy to clean out the inside ofthecanopy and cut off the lower limbs.

The real challenge is getting out to the ends and tips of the branches and properly tipping or thinning. Some “professional” companies boast their “no topping” policies but will then just strip up the limbs and leave the branches and tree tops full and heavy. This is quick way of making the tree look “trimmed”. Tree pruning is an art. It is very difficult to explain or even take a picture of proper pruning techniques. This site is an attempt to showcase the bad side of tree service. This may hopefully educate a few people.