The selective removal of the extremities of a
cow. Such trimming can give better shape to the
cow and will encourage further growth.
When cows grow too leggy, it can be helpful to
lop excess growth, which will promote the
cow to fill out instead of growing too tall and spindly.
Not to be confused with cow tipping, which is the act of giving monetary reward to cows that have provided good service.
Monty Don: In this episode of Gardeners' World, I
will be showing the techniques of
cow topping, using my
small chainsaw and pruning secateurs.