Crown Reduction & Thinning
Crown reduction is the procedure used to reduce the height and spread of the crown of a tree and crown thinning is the removal of inward facing, crossing, rubbing branches and dead wood to reduce the density of the crown allowing more air and light to permeate the canopy.
Good arboricultural practice dictates that no more than 30% of the crown should be removed at any one time and factors such as the species and age of the tree also need to be considered. We work closely with our clients to ensure the desired results are achieved whilst not compromising the health of the tree.
These images show a 100+ year old copper beech in Liverpool that our client was understandably very attached to. He was really keen to keep a natural shape but also reduce the height and spread of the crown. Beech trees aren’t particularly hardy when it comes to healing pruning wounds so it was also important to limit the size and number of pruning cuts.
At the front was an almost identical beech that was in need of being cut back from the house and roadside whilst again maintaining the natural shape.
Sometimes the height of a tree might not be an issue but the spread of the crown can still be reduced, whether it is to cut the lateral branches back from properties or to keep neighbourly relations by allowing more light in to adjacent gardens.
These images show a sycamore in Helsby, Frodsham that was cut back quite hard from both of the neighbouring properties and a beech tree in Liverpool that had the spread of the crown dramatically reduced to appease the neighbours at the back.
Light crown reductions are also a good way to keep smaller trees neat and tidy and with regular maintenance their size can be managed, minimising the impact on their surroundings and thus prolonging the life of a tree within a garden.
