Many conifers - especially firs and spruces - can reach considerable heights after a few years. If they are then in a garden, possibly still in the front yard, a 30 or 40 meter high tree can quickly cause problems. But before you put the saw in and cut the tip, it's best to read this article first. Shortening the tree in question is not always a good idea.
Pruning a coniferous tree often results in stronger growth
Supposed reasons for shortening a conifer
There are various reasons why cutting off the top of the tree is supposedly necessary. In fact, you shouldn't do it, because in most cases the expected effect will not occur or not as desired - quite apart from the fact that such a cut tree is anything but attractive.
height of the tree
In many cases, the sheer height of the tree is the main reason for a cut: either the tree takes up too much space on your own property or on that of your neighbor, or there are fears that it will fall over (e.g. onto the house roof or garage). Now it is the case that no tree simply accepts a pruning: Even the cut conifer sprout all the more strongly and therefore within a short time becomes just as tall, if not even taller than before. However, it is then also unstable, since usually several main branches start to form the crown again. As a result, the weight at the tip increases sharply, which in turn can result in partial or even complete breakage. So by cutting off the top you achieve exactly the opposite of what you intended to achieve - not to mention that you now have to prune the tree every year.
life-prolonging measure
In the event of a severe disease or pest infestation, some advise extending the life of the conifer by cutting off the top. After all, the tree now has fewer parts of the plant to take care of and can therefore better concentrate on fighting fungi and the like. The opinions of experts differ greatly here, although today's school of thought tends to be against a reduction. As so often, the measure does not necessarily have the desired effect, since pruning can also weaken the tree. He then has to fight on two fronts - he has to sprout again and fights the disease - and usually cannot win this fight.
tips
No matter how hard the neighbor pushes: If the tall trees were there before him, he usually has to live with them. The felling and shortening of tall trees is also otherwise subject to strict legal regulations.