Tree Trimming and Pollarding a Tree Are Different Things

The International Society of Arboriculture Code of Ethics (adopted August 1992) is the philosophy that an ISA-certified arborist operates on. Main tenants include:

• Striving for continuous self-development by increasing their qualifications and technical proficiency by staying abreast of technological and scientific developments affecting the profession.
• Not misusing or omitting material facts in promoting technical information, products or services if the effect would be to mislead or misrepresent.
• Holding paramount the safety and health of all people, and endeavor to protect property and the environment in the performance of professional responsibilities.
• Subscribing to fair and honest business practices in dealing with clients, suppliers, employees, and other professionals.
• Supporting the improvement of professional services and products through encouraging research and development.
• Observing the standards and promoting adherence to the ethics embodied in this code.

An ISA Certified Arborist undergoes years of schooling, more years of practical training and finally adheres to the ISA Code of Ethics, always providing customers with the best and most currant solutions to all their tree problems. That being said, allowing people to cut on your trees, if they are not ISA certified arborist, they are NOT arborists. They are only people cutting your trees improperly.

Anyone who shows up at your house and tells you that topping your trees is OK is wrong and unethical. All our science in the field of arboriculture tells us so, 100 years of research tells us this. Do not let anyone tell you anything different. The regret will last a lifetime. The damage is irreparable. 

Topping is not pollarding; they are two different things. Pollarding is primarily a technique used by making internodal cuts for street trees in high traffic areas and should only be done by a qualified ISA certified arborist and takes several years to establish properly. 

Topping is indiscriminately removing the crown of larger trees on dominant as well as subordinate branches. This is killing our old growth cottonwood and elm trees in Churchill County. Contact M D Tree surgery for your tree needs. 775-867-2944 or 775-217-9009.