<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fshagan @ Aug 27 2007, 10:52 PM) [snapback]503053[/snapback]</div> I topped mine first. I had a service come out to remove all branches higher than 18 feet. This reduced the risk of it falling on a neighboring structure to nil based on proximity. Topping also makes the snag less top heavy extending the viability of the snag for many years. I know this isn't for everyone in terms of aesthetics, etc. Any time we have guests over it provides for a topic of discussion. Many people are curious about it when informed of it's purpose, think it's a really neat idea.