Crown Lifting

Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches and preparing of lower branches for future removal, normally to give a uniform height from ground level.

Good practice dictates crown lifting should not normally include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk as this causes large wounds which may jeopardise the long term future of the tree.

Common reasons for crown lifting are to bring more light and give access for traffic.

In the U.K. common practice dictates clearance for vehicles is 5.2 metres (~17 feet), and for pedestrians 2.5m (~8 feet). 

Every pruning cut inflicts a wound on the tree. The ability of a tree to withstand a wound and maintain healthy growth is greatly affected by the pruning cut – its angle and its position relative to the certain parts of the tree.

As a general rule branches should be removed at their point of attachment or shortened to a lateral which is at 1/3 of the diameter of the removed branch.

Maple, Birth, Beech and Walnut should be pruned in leaf or just after leaf fall and Magnolia in high summer to avoid ‘bleeding’ (excluding sap), which although not considered damaging, can be unsightly.

Crown Clean / Deadwood

A dead-wooding operation will promote good health within your tree. Removal of dead branches with the correct cut will allow your tree to heal naturally and faster, reducing any risk of infection and removing any risk of dead branch failure.

During a crown clean we will also remove damaged, crossing and weak branches from your tree.

This will also promote good health and reduce the risk of future branch failure.