River Birch Topping

[BeerGeek]

So, I've got a potential client with an interesting request. They have 5, multi-stemmed river birches around their pool, ranging from 60-80 ft high. Trees are dropping massive amounts of fruit this year, and have clogged/damaged their pool workings a few times. They would like all 5 to be completely cut back about 75%, stems and all, and then prune the remaining (as they like the privacy they provide around the fence in the back). Would those that know better than I agree that this is a workable option, or should I just recommend total take downs? I did see this post from @Burnham about a river birch he claimed to have "topped the snot out of one" (Topping Harms Trees - https://masterblasterhome.com/threads/topping-harms-trees.17635/post-637771) and had come out nicely with future pruning, but not sure about trees this advanced in size/age potential..

 

[flushcut]

Remove and replant better and cheaper option in the long run.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd fill the pool and add more birches :^D

Sounds to me like the trees are a bad match for the location. I'd give some consideration to a removal/replant if they really want the trees gone.

 

[SeanKroll]

You'll be back sooner with the topping job, which will be difficult to protect the bottom 25% from the top 75% being brought down.
They won't die overnight. They will sprout vigorously and randomly.

Pictures are worth 1000 words.

 

[Burnham]

The one I "topped the snot out of" was much smaller/younger...for what that's worth. Maybe 3 or 4 inches diameter and 15ish feet tall. It's now more than twice that big and has a nice single stem...though it does bow over in a graceful arch. Not my favorite tree, but the birds like it, and the foliage is beautiful in fall colors.

 

[BeerGeek]

4 of the five trees are against the fence at the back of the property. As stated, all very large (the development they are in is about 30-40 years old; the developers planted a ton of these). The 4 against the fence are up on a rock abutment, adding to the challenge. I advised them that take down might be more prudent, but they want to try and keep them. Thanks for all the comments so far:

65 foot twin stem near house; stems are about 16' diameter:


pictures of interiors of 2 biggest along fence:





shots of the pool and rock abutment behind it, adding to the fun; also, the pool has fountain jets all around, and light fixtures all over the place, making it all the more entertaining:

 

[Blair Glenn]

Understanding the nature of the species is helpful in deciding a rash type of pruning. Some trees (like Birch), decay quickly and topping results in creating a dangerous tree. Now I don't ever recomend topping as a treatment for a quality tree but there are instances where (if the other option is removal), topping may be an answer to keeping a tree. Nothing is black or white in this business.

 

[DMc]

They would be far smarter and better served by getting a pool cover, and using it. Topping trees does not reduce the mess.

People really need to have better appreciation for established trees and landscapes.

 

[ruel]

If there are any vertical stems, I'd leave those untouched. Then aggressively top the other stems, leaving the vertical one to eventually turn into a real tree.

River birch is a gorgeous mature tree, almost never see one though because they are always planted in awful clumps!

 

[Altissimus]

I view these types of jobs in a dim light when offered. I discuss the eventual results and tell them I'd do it but it's a waste of their money in my opinion .... (PS , old and jaded I am)