diff --git a/top/top.c b/top/top.c
index 4146ddb7..30a2fc85 100644
--- a/top/top.c
+++ b/top/top.c
@@ -4805,12 +4805,17 @@ static void forest_create (WIN_t *q) {
 #endif
                      children = 1;
                   }
-                  // children found (and collapsed), so mark that puppy
+                  /* if any children found (and collapsed), mark the parent
+                     ( when children aren't found we won't negate the pid )
+                     ( to prevent a future scan since who's to say such a )
+                     ( task won't fork one or more children in the future ) */
                   if (children) Tree_ppt[parent]->pad_2 = 'x';
-                  // this will force a check of the next Hide_pid, if any
-                  j = Frame_maxtask;
+                  // this will force a check of the next Hide_pid[], if any
+                  j = Frame_maxtask + 1;
                }
             }
+            // if target task disappeared (ended), prevent further scanning
+            if (j == Frame_maxtask) Hide_pid[i] = -Hide_pid[i];
          }
       }
    }