topping scots pine

Patricia Regan asked 16 years ago

We moved into our house 5 years ago, there are 2 large probably 60-70 foot scots pines at the bottom of our back garden, although I like the trees they are blocking a lot of the sunshine from getting into our garden(west/south facing), we would like to get the trees topped. We have contacted 3 tree surgeons all gave us conflicting advice, firstly dont top as the trees will die, secondly that you cannot top until autumn as the sap levels are too high in the trees and thirdly the trees can be topped now with no side effects, which of these is correct?

1 Answers

Gerry Daly Staff answered 7 years ago
Topping Scots pine trees utterly spoils their beauty.

To let light into the garden, it might be possible to remove lower branches, They generally do not die, unless all the greeenery is cut away, but as rendered very ugly.

Topping is not to be considered. Either remove lower brnaches or consider removing one tree completely and that way you can have a decent tree and some more sunshine.  

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