Only fruit trees in the state of Pennsylvania should be “topped” or “cut back” for fruit production and this process should be conducted in the winter months. When you top a non- fruit tree such as Oaks, Maples, Ash, Lindens and of the like you are dramatically putting the tree in a state of initial “shock!” The tree will therefore never again grow as it normally would prior to such treatment, yes, it will produce foliage of a "water sprout"type the following season if it is healthy enough to survive the massive treatment it previously just endured. Depending on the species of tree that has been topped, it may survive for years to come, but in the long run you have basicaly produced a tree that will eventually become a hazard for it now will never again grow as it normally did prior to the topping.
keep in mind , and a lot of trees are like this . if you top a tree the flow of nutrients to that tree have to go somewere that place will be the roots , what happens is the tree will now look for more water to supplment groth and the roots will travel , destroying driveways , side walks anything in its path . we did a home with a pool , home owner was topping trees and cutting them back . the roots went towards the pool .
All trees should never be topped.
You should not cut the tops of trees.