In Kansas City you see them everywhere; those trees that are disformed and barley hanging on for dear life due to the years of neglected abuse. We're talking about the damaging and misguided method of topping trees to reduce the height and spread.
Topping is the number on most harmful tree pruning practice known. Check out PlantAmnesty.org, they are a non-profit that specializes in raising public awareness on "Crimes Against Nature" committed in our own backyards.
Topping Causes Stress
When you remove the crown (which is what topping is) you removed along with it the leaves which are a major food source. This absence will starve your tree while it puts itself into defense mode to stay alive and this can seriously harm your tree or lead to it's death.
Topping Does Not Control Size
New shoots will begin to pop up everywhere because your tree is basically starving so it needs to generate massive amounts of food to stay alive. The tree will continue to grow and it will not stop until it reaches its original size. This only takes a few years! 
Topping Does Not Make Your Trees Safer
Now you have weak new attachments that will never have the structural integrity any where close to what the previous branches had. The new branches are weak and can break off easily, even years later when the tree has grown large and the branches are heavy; really do some damage now! Also, having that many exposed wounds all at once creates many points of entry and pathways for insects to carry fungus, disease, and other destructive organism into the tree. This is one of the main reasons why we will not top your Kansas City Trees!
Topping is Costly
Remember, when a Kansas City trees are topped they always grows back and they grow at an extremely rapid rate but thinner and weaker. Each sprouts tons of new thin and weak branches and as the cycle turns the conditions will keep getting worse. Eventually, you will spend even more money to have this now extremely dangerous beast of a tree removed.
Best Plan of Action
When the occasion arises and it becomes necessary to question the height or spread of a tree, consult or hire a professional like Cartwright Tree Care. We will help determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees.
