A convenient, efficient method
With the Top-Stop Nipper you can now make staggered cambic incisions on the leader. This reduces the flow of sap to the top bud, limiting the length growth. Mechanical growth control with the Top-Stop Nipper has been tested and developed since 1996.
Top-Stop Nipper - test sites 2001-2007. All the results are measured in centimeters except the reduction which is in percent.
* In trails 2001 we used Top-Stop nipper with 2 blades. In 2002-2004 we used 4 blades. In 2005-2007 we used nippers with 5 blades.
Leader growth control seen from a historicaæ perspective
The desire to reduce the growth in the length of the leaders has no doubt been present for as long as Christmas trees have been grown commercially. The list below shows which means/methods have been tested where and when:
Year | Location | Means/Method |
1985/86 | Rye Nørskov | Cutless |
1986-88 | Svenstrup | Cerone, Ethrel, Regufon, Antergon, Bonzi |
1988 | HW Låsby | Chemical methods |
1992-95 | Tests by a chemicals company requested | |
1994 | Strandegård | Importance of bottom pruning |
1994 | Clausholm | Chemical methods + removal of needles |
1994-95 | Randbøl-Nobilis | Tubes, cutting, light access, light quality |
1995 | Strandegård | Bottom pruning, tubes, taking needles off the leader |
1995 | Clausholm | Chemical methods, tubes, taking needles off the leader |
1996 | Clausholm | Chemical methods, tubes, taking needles off the leader, wounding |
1996 | Langesø og Skjoldenæsholm | Tubes, taking needless off the leader, wounding |
1996 | Ry / Laven | Wounding, peeling, ringing + cutless |
1997 | Esrum, Strandegård, Lindenborg | Tubes, taking needless off the leader, wounding |
1997 | Ry | Top-Stop used at provenience level (Ambro/Turkish fir) |
1998 | Ry | Top-Stop related to the time of year |
1998 | Langesø | Pilot trial with several different treatments |
1999 | 19 locations | Top-Stop different times, treatments, etc. |
2000 | Nr. Vilstrup/Rønnede | 20 different treatments (Frans Theilby, FSL) |
2000 | Giesegård/Wedellsborg | Cerone, Top-Stop, Moddus og PC 1 (PC-consult) |
2000 | 19 locations DK, D, UK. | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2001 | 20 locations DK, D, UK. | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2002 | 19 locations DK, N, D, UK, IRL | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2003 | 15 locations DK, D, UK, N | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2004 | 14 locations DK, D and UK | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2005 | 7 locations i DK and UK | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2006 | 5 locations i DK and UK | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2007 | 4 locations i DK and UK | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
2008-2017 | 5 locations in DK and Skotland | Top-Stop – Different times and treatments |
Upon request, a Top-Stop course is possible for users to learn or refresh the use of the Top-Stop nipper.
Contact Lars Geil for further information;
E-mail: lars [at] top-stop.dk
Telephone: +45 40114704
