I have a client with a 50-year-old, 10-11" Dbh Douglas Fir that is about 12' tall by 16' across. As a single stemmed hedge, it suits her purposes perfectly, a screen from traffic and a visual barrier.
It has never been given a chance to be what a Douglas Fir can be. As a Douglas Fir, it is an aberant mess. But if it had been left to grow tall and straight, it would not suit her landscape, nor perform the function she wants.
In these situations, I consider whether I would do what the client wants, if it were my property.
Would I top that White Pine before it gets into the powerlines and becomes a candidate for Utility trimming? Heck yeah, I get more time with the tree than the utility boys are allowed.
I dumped some trees for my brother on an in-fill lot to clear the building footprint. After the foundation went in, I created specific view corridors of a salt water inlet and Mount Moriarty. 2 more Fir went, 2 Arbutus got windowed back to laterals, 2 Fir got topped at about 4" diameter.
Took a $500,000 property to $700,000. Would I do that if it were my property? Heck yeah, are you kidding me?
Top a Skyrocket Juniper to keep it out of the soffits? Heck yeah.
Top and shear a Holly to create separation and space for more valuable trees? Heck yeah.
There is some topping I resist, but if I inform and educate the client, I have no ethical problem in making urban trees fit the needs of the landscape.
Just consider if you would do it if it were your own tree.
RedlineIt