Topped trees break in storms

This tree was topped about a year ago. Many sprouts grew from the cut stems. Because sprouts are not well connected to the topped stem, sprouts are very prone to break from the stub.

Trees that were topped recently do not blow down because there is nothing to catch the wind. This does not mean topping is good tree care (click here for more). Sprouts that grow from topped trees are poorly connected to the cut stub making them susceptible to breakage in storms.