That comment about topping trees at a cookout got under my skin

I was at a family barbecue last Sunday and my cousin's neighbor, who works in insurance claims, said he tells homeowners to top their maples so they don't take out roofs in storms. I almost choked on my burger. I know topping creates weak regrowth that snaps worse than the original limbs would, but he kept insisting it's what keeps his clients' premiums down. I get the fear, we see storm damage in Atlanta every spring, but cutting a 40 foot tree down to 15 stubs is just making a hazard with extra steps. I tried explaining that a proper crown reduction, taking weight off the ends and keeping the structure, does way more for wind resistance. He just shrugged and said people like the quick look of a shorter tree. Has anyone else had to argue with well meaning folks who think topping is the same as pruning? How do you talk sense into them without sounding like a snob about it?

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