Best topping shape for single conifer / cypress

[treeQdude]

Hello,

 

I have been told several times to just cut down an entire 8m tall conifer tree, explicitly because they said that they couldn't make it look nice.

 

I don't want to get rid of the tree and just wanted them to top it. Does anyone have any good photos of large topped conifers, especially those that started off teardrop/candle bulb shaped.

 

I know that a straight line cut off the top will look odd at first, but I am interested in how it pans out over time, how it would look to start, etc.

 

any guidance appreciated!!

 

Thank you!

 

(I can share a photo soon)

[Mick Dempsey]

Looking forward to the photo, species will be the key.

[Paul Cleaver]

48 minutes ago, treeQdude said:

Hello,

 

I have been told several times to just cut down an entire 8m tall conifer tree, explicitly because they said that they couldn't make it look nice.

 

I don't want to get rid of the tree and just wanted them to top it. Does anyone have any good photos of large topped conifers, especially those that started off teardrop/candle bulb shaped.

 

I know that a straight line cut off the top will look odd at first, but I am interested in how it pans out over time, how it would look to start, etc.

 

any guidance appreciated!!

 

Thank you!

 

(I can share a photo soon)

Depends on species. A Leyland cypress will look ok again in 2 or 3 yrs. A Lawsons cypress twice as long or a bit more. Western Red Cedar between the 2 mentioned. They are the 3 commonest species. A pic would help 

[treeQdude]

Ok, I think it's more like 10meters now, but here are the photos. She's out of control now, like a big ice cream

 

I took two sides and I also took bark pictures, as maybe it helps you know what it is.

 

Thanks again

[treeQdude]

I think there are a few major branches that need to come off too, to reduce bulk, but it's the top I am lost by...

[Mick Dempsey]

They were right, take it out.

[treeQdude]

4 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

They were right, take it out.

 

 

But why, is it the look? What would/could it look like?

 

 

[Mick Dempsey]

It’s a lawson cypress of some sort, that has been developed (if that’s the word) to be at its best as a small ornamental, as it has got bigger lower branches have either been taken off or dropped out of position because the wind has got in and pulled them out.

 

These sort of trees don’t grow from ‘blind’ wood so if you wanted to take the sides in you could only trim a few inches.

 

You could top it, it looks crap now, so it looking even uglier doesn’t really matter if you like it or it screens you from a hated neighbour. It’ll be a flat top that will, over time, regrow into a similar look to how it is now.

 

I wouldn’t do it, and I’ll do most things for money, as long as I can’t see it from my house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[treeQdude]

Many thanks Mick - your frank answer is appreciated!!

 

Taking down something that big also sounds very/too expensive I'm guessing

 

[Mick Dempsey]

On reflection (whilst washing up) I’ve done worse, you can reduce the height, price £100 to £200 depending as they say.

If you like it, who am I to judge?

Edited August 29, 2020 by Mick Dempsey

[treeQdude]

That's problem. I am struggling to find some kind of images of what it would look like.

 

Is there a tree surgery disaster page or horror-client page anywhere?! ?

Edited August 29, 2020 by treeQdude