Don't top trees! The practice of "topping" is extremely harmful to trees. A lot of things can kill a tree - please don't be one of them. Trees everywhere are counting on you. Spread the word not to top trees.
American elm trees are treated annually for Dutch elm disease. They are beautiful trees that grow right up to street curbs with no obtrusive, damaging surface or subsurface roots. This is why they are typically planted in boulevards, along sidewalks, and line the streets of the United States. Topping an elm tree makes for hundreds of smaller branches that fall year-round with every strong breeze.
Take care of your trees – please don't top them.