My Plant Is Too Big

I hear it all the time, from all kinds of folks. "My tree is to big, I need to cut it back.", or worse, "When should I top my tree, I don't want it to get any bigger." My answer is "NO!"
No, your tree didn't get too big, it grew just the way it's supposed to. Someone apparently didn't plan correctly. Most of the time, the first consideration in the design of a neighborhood, is the QUANTITY of trees in the project. The next is often cost, so a tree, regardless of site suitability, or growth habit, often ends up in the wrong place. This poor guy now encroaches on our homes, streets, business signs, so we torture them. We cut the top out so the tree struggles the rest of it's existence, or we cut them back as if they were boxwoods in a formal English garden.
Seeing a topped tree, you can sense something isn't right. The nice natural form is distorted, unnatural. It weakens the tree by creating water sprouts, weak limbs the tree sends out rapidly to try to recover from the shock of a hard "pruning". Also, trees send out pheromones when stressed that attract insect pests that see a food source to weak to defend itself. This all leads to premature death.
Please be a good steward of the trees on your property, or better yet, in your CARE. They are living breathing friends that provide so many benefits to your and your area, they deserve respect. Always contact an ISA Certified Arborist for advice on your trees' health. You can be assured you are speaking with a knowledgeable professional.
Trees enhance our lives, let's return the favor!

Mark Griffith is a Virginia Certified Horticulturist and a lead designer with Nautilus Garden Designs in Hampton Roads www.nautilusgardendesigns.com