Over-pruning and/or topping can permanently disfigure or even kill your trees. A tree’s foliage protects it against excessive sun exposure. If too much is removed, the tree will sprout poor limbs excessively to boost food production to protect itself against sunscald. This will have a negative effect on aesthetics and create future issues. Over pruning can lead to poor nutrition, a lack of sun protection, pathogens, and infestation.