Tops with over 50% of their crowns lost mustbe critically evaluated. There will be a difference between species and species type to this of response. Oaks and slower growing species will die or take a significant amount of time to recover while faster growing species such as yellow-poplar and cottonwood will generally recover their crown. 





severe tree top damage

Yellow-poplar and other fast growth species can ultimately recover from severe top damage, especially if they are growing on high quality sites. However, growth will initially be slow. Acceptable or Questionable Growing Stock.



severe tree top damage

Timber from oaks with less than 1/3 of their crown remaining should be removed within the next several years. Unacceptable Growing Stock

severe tree top damage

Valuable timber (veneer and high grade sawtimber) from oaks with 25% or less of their tops remaining should be removed within one year. Unacceptable Growing Stock.

severe tree top damage

Yellow-poplar and other fast growing species with 25 top 50% of their top remaining will recover. Acceptable or Questionable Growing Stock depending upon choices in the stand.




severe tree top damage

Yellow-poplar trees 1 and 3 will die or will be rendered useless (Unacceptable Growing Stock). Trees 2 and 4 will live and their crowns will recover. Some future timber potential will probably develop however, recovery will be slow. Unacceptable Growing Stock.



severe tree top damage

Oak with less than 50% crown left from the loss of major branches. Timber should be removed within the next several years. Unacceptable Growing Stock.



severe tree top damage

Both trees 1 and 2 are yellow-poplar and will recover from this damage. Acceptable Growing Stock.