Pruning & Crown Reduction
Pruning / crown reduction
To remove diseased or storm-damaged branches, thin the crown to permit new growth and better air circulation, reduce the height of a tree, remove obstructing lower branches, shape a tree for design purposes. Crown reduction pruning should only be used as a method of last resort. This pruning technique often results in large pruning wounds to stems that may lead to decay.
Crown thinning
Crown thinning is the removal of a portion of smaller branches. Crown thinning does not alter the overall size or shape of the tree. Material should be removed systematically throughout the tree, should not exceed the stated percentage and not more than 30% overall.
Crown lifting
Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches and/or preparing of lower branches for future removal.
Dead wooding
As a tree matures it is completely natural for it to produce dead and dying wood. The general process of “dead wooding” is to remove dead, dying and diseased branches through out the crown.
