Tree Lopping vs Pruning: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

Both involve cutting branches — but the technique and result are completely different. Here's what to ask for (and what to avoid).

What lopping actually is

Lopping cuts branches mid-span, leaving a stub. The stub has no bark to seal the wound — it dries, dies back, and creates a decay column into the main trunk. The tree's response is to produce vigorous water shoots (epicormic growth) from below the cut — dense, fast-growing, weakly attached branches that need constant removal.

What correct pruning looks like

Correct pruning removes branches at the branch collar — the slightly raised area where the branch attaches to the trunk. This is the tree's natural wound response zone. A collar cut seals cleanly. The tree produces a callus ring that gradually covers the wound.

The Australian standard

AS4373-2007 (Pruning of Amenity Trees) is the Australian standard for tree pruning. It specifies cut placement, acceptable removal ratios (generally no more than 30% of live crown per season), and techniques for different pruning types. Arborists who follow AS4373 don't lop.

Why does it matter for your tree?

A lopped tree requires constant management — the dense epicormic regrowth comes back faster than the original growth, creates shading, and is structurally weaker. A correctly pruned tree heals its wounds, maintains structural integrity, and requires less intervention over time.

What to ask your arborist

Ask whether they prune to AS4373. Ask where they make cuts — collar cuts or mid-branch. Ask about the maximum canopy removal per season. These questions will quickly tell you whether you're dealing with a qualified arborist or someone with a chainsaw and a truck.