Crown Reductions

What are Crown Reductions?

The outermost part of the tree’s crown is pruned allowing a modest reduction, measured in meters by both the tree's overall height and crown spread. This can either be done on the tree’s entirety or on certain sections, depending on its specific requirements. By doing this the overall sail area of the tree will be reduced, light penetration will be increased and in most cases will be enough to mitigate hazard-related issues, as well as reducing the overall size of the tree.

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Trees are amazing things - they come in all different shapes, sizes and colours but what they offer is much the same for each and every one. They add character to what would ordinarily be a plain area, they add texture to their surroundings by offering different shades of colour (dependant on the seasons), but most importantly, they give enjoyment to everyone who can see them. This is why carrying out a crown reduction is a great way to retain the tree for the future whilst ensuring all parties are happy with how it is left.

There are many examples of when a crown reduction may be required. For example, you may have a small urban garden with a large dominating tree which is blocking a lot of light and causes the grass to die. Or, you may have a tree which has been left unmanaged and grown heavily on one side in comparison to the other. In any case, the common aspect of a crown reduction is that the tree owner would like to retain the tree but reduce its size.

On top of these examples, wind-induced stresses (which can subsequently cause branch failures or ‘breaks’) can be reduced very effectively by shortening the branch/branches during a crown reduction. In simple terms, this means either reducing the height of the whole tree or the length of the individual hazardous branch. The amount in which needs to be removed can be highlighted by one of our Professional Tree Inspectors, and this will be in direct proportion to the severity of the defect. In most cases a less severe treatment is more than adequate, as reducing the overall length of a branch will not only reduce the size of the branch in question but subsequently the overall sail area will be reduced. As an example, a modest crown reduction of 2m on a tree 18-20m in height, will in most cases significantly reduce the mechanical stresses overall. 

When carrying out a crown reduction, precautions will need to be taken around the amount of foliage being removed and specifically what time of the year this is being done. For example, if large amounts of leaf mass are removed prior to the leaves budding then this will mean there will be less resources for the tree to gain its energy, causing it to deplete and encourage unnecessary stresses. Ideally crown reductions should be carried out while trees are dormant and energy reserves are much higher. 

A crown reduction will be carried out by a trained arborist, who will access the tree via modern climbing techniques. This will allow the climber to access all sections of the tree in a fast, safe and systematic manner allowing him/her to undertake the specification of work to the highest standards achievable. 

While carrying out all aerial operations our arborists will, as a measure of precaution, carry out visual inspections as they make their way around the tree/s and report back any findings they may have to the tree's owner. This allows the owner of the tree/s to understand the overall health of the tree/s and if there may be any work which may need to be done as a matter of safety.