Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches. This method of pruning is often used when access is required under the tree. Where possible larger branches should be retained as pruning large branches back to the main stem will result in large wounds, these will in time decay leading to long term problems.

As always crown lifts should be done to suitable growth point and the branch you are removing should never be more than 1/3 of the pruning point you are taking it back to. If  the tree in question is TPO’ed or in a conservation area and the work needs to be applied for, you must say in meters how high you would like to crown lift with reference to a fixed point. For example ‘crown lift to give 6m clearance from ground level.

Crown thinning is  the removal of smaller branches throughout the tree. This method of pruning is meant to create a uniform density throughout the tree. No more than 30% of the foliage should be removed when thinning the tree.

Reasons for this type of pruning include weight reduction, allow more light to pass through the tree and to reduce sail area (wind resistance).