Question
We have two liquid amber trees that are 45 feet tall.
What is the max. we can top it without killing it?

Thanks,
Helen

Answer
I do not recommend cutting any of the top off. The crown (amount of foliage) produces the food for the tree and store it in the root system so there is enough energy next spring to produce new foliage. The top is called the meristem and without it the tree starts to lose growth and over time weakens allowing disease to enter and kill the tree. It is not a mater of cutting a percent of the total height. The crown amounts to about 1/3 to 1/2 the height and  should remain this proportion to keep the tree healthy. Not sure why you want to top the tree but this is never a good thing. and usually does not correct a situation.
Here is a web link to more information on this topic.


http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/topping.aspx