Tree lopping.
Lopping is a word people use when they want some branches taken off a tree, for whatever reason. It is another name for pruning. Some people use it for random chopping by someone unqualified, and that is the kind of lopping that causes problems. If you want branches taken off, our team does it properly: as pruning, to Australian Standards, by a qualified arborist.
What people mean by lopping.
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Branches hanging over the roof, a fence, a pool or the neighbour's yard.
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Storm-damaged or broken limbs that need to come off.
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A tree that has outgrown its space or is shading the house and garden.
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Light, views or solar panels blocked by a tree.
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Small trees and shrubs that are cut back regularly, and just need doing again.
How we do it: proper pruning.
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Our team looks at the whole tree first: its health, its structure and what it is near, and makes a plan.
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We explain what will happen when each branch comes off, and agree it with you.
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Dead wood comes out, along with crossing and rubbing limbs. Weight comes off the ends of branches, not stripped from the middle.
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Cuts are made at the branch collar, so the tree heals instead of rotting.
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It is all done to Australian Standards pruning techniques, with the clean-up done the way you agreed.
Why unqualified lopping goes wrong.
Random chopping opens a tree to decay, and the tree reacts by throwing out weak, unstructured shoots that are far more likely to snap in wind. Heavy cutting can leave the tree more dangerous than before. If you have heard that lopping is bad, that is the kind meant, and we do not do it.
When we will suggest something different.
Sometimes a customer wants a big tree cut right back, such as a large gum reduced by half. We will advise against it, because it can harm the tree and make it dangerous, and we may not take the job. Instead we will talk about reducing the canopy gradually, opening it up so light comes in, or removing the tree if that is the safest answer. You get honest advice, not just the quickest job.
After the cut.
Branches are chipped on site or dealt with the way you agreed, and the site is left clean. For how much comes off, how often it needs doing again and what bad cutting does, see the pruning page.
What customers say.
“very knowledgeable on the tree trimming and lopping safety all the way and cleaned up their mess to boot.”
“The boys came out on 24hr notice after hours to help me with a cracked branch that was overhanging my house. They worked very quick and efficiently and great to deal with.”
“They are trustworthy, take pride in their work and really listen to what the customer wants.”
Questions, answered.
Is lopping the same as pruning?
Yes. Lopping is just another word people use for pruning. Our team does it as pruning, to Australian Standards, by a qualified arborist.
I have heard lopping is bad. Is it?
Lopping done by unqualified people, which means random chopping, can lead to all sorts of problems. That is not what we do. We prune properly, using Australian Standards techniques.
Can you cut my big tree in half?
We will usually advise against it. Cutting a large tree right back can harm it and make it dangerous, and we may not take the job. We will talk to you about reducing and opening up the canopy gradually, or removal if that is the safest answer.
Will the tree grow back after lopping?
Many trees shoot new growth after a heavy cut, and the new growth often has no structure and can snap in wind. That is why our team takes only what is needed, in stages, and we explain it first.
Do I need approval to work on a tree?
It depends on the tree and on your council. Some native, large or significant trees are protected, and the rules differ between councils. Check with your council before work starts, and tell Drew about the tree when you call so the job can be planned properly.
See also.
Get a free quote
Tell Drew what needs doing and where. Send a message and he will get back to you with a free on-site quote. Our team gets everything sorted from there.