Lombardy Poplars Threatening House: Pruning Strategy and Limits

Question: 6 poplars 8 ft from house on condo common land. Neighbors planted 7 yrs ago. Branches hit roof in wind. Topping proposed. Best pruning to protect house without wild regrowth?

Answer

Do not top—causes bushy regrowth, weak structure, may kill tree. Cut all house-side branches back to trunk (leave ¼" collar). New sprouts minimal; trim in 1–2 yrs if needed. Height not a wind hazard—trunk hardens. Best long-term: replace with evergreen hedge (e.g., Green Giant thuja) planted well inside property line.