Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches evenly throughout the tree to reduce the density of the tree without changing the overall size or shape of the tree. Crown thinning is designed to reduce damage that could result from crown resistance to strong winds and can be used to create more light and air throughout the tree.
Crown thinning opens the foliage of a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and helps retain the tree’s natural shape.
Crown Reduction decreases the volume of the foliage of a tree. The size of the crown is reduced from the outer edge of the tree making the shape of the tree more aesthetically pleasing. However there are more practical reasons; to reduce the stress of the limbs of a tree and to increase the volume of light underneath the crown.
Crown Lifting is carried out to increase the clearance between the lowest hanging branches of a tree and the ground level. This can be carried out for a number of reasons; to increase the line of sight underneath a tree, to allow access underneath the tree and to allow more light to get to the ground level. Lifting clearance should be to a specified height above ground level.
When the limbs on a tree die, they become weak and will eventually fall from the tree. Dead branches & limbs can become be removed by a process known as Dead Wooding. Branches that overhang public areas can be especially hazardous and should be removed quickly to ensure the area remains safe.