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No, you should never top maple trees. Topping injures the tree and leads to the rapid growth of a weak canopy, which can be hazardous to rooftops and utility lines. Removing the crown can also leave the interior bark vulnerable to sun damage, leading to insects and disease. A topped tree can also reduce property value and permanently damage the appearance of a tree.

According to scientists at Penn State University, spotted lanternflies do not typically kill the trees and plants they feed on, but they can cause branches and segments to die off. However, they have been found to kill cultivated grapes, which can have devastating consequences for vineyard owners and regions that heavily rely on vineyards to create jobs and generate revenue. They have also killed the Ailanthu altissima, known as the tree of heaven, though this is classified as a noxious and invasive weed tree.

It’s possible, although a lot depends on the cause of damage and what steps you take. If the remaining parts of the maple tree are alive and not under attack by disease or pests, they can often be saved even if large portions of the maple tree have died. Frequent watering, careful pruning, mulch, and any recommended fungicides or insecticides can all help with survival.

Tree roots can take weeks to years to die, depending on the method you use. Chemical herbicides take the least amount of time—typically between three and four weeks—while homemade methods, like covering an old stump with leaves, could take between seven and eight years. If you’re unsure which method to use or how quickly you need to act, consulting with a pro is always a good idea.