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)

[maybelateron]

Wrong tree in the wrong place IMO. There is an old saying that you cant take a nice big mature tree and turn it into a nice small tree. Topping it will be ongoing maintenance over the years, taking it out now is a one off cost. I'd be interested to know what option you finally go for.

[Stubby]

25 minutes ago, treeQdude said:

I hear you, but it will cost an arm and a leg to remove

How many arms and legs do you need FFS ? 

[Jack.P]

It wouldn’t be that much more to remove compared to  just topping it.(probably about 250 + stump grinding ).it could be topped but it’s possible you could end up paying twice after then realising it’s a mess and doesn’t look like a tree anymore .

Rowan are great low maintenance trees and will give you something much more interesting to look at. Some of them grow a bit bigger than others so research it first