Crown Lifting or Crown Reduction: Which Work Does Your Tree Need?

A branch scraping a van needs a different cut from a canopy spreading over a roof. Crown lifting addresses lower branches; crown reduction shortens selected branches to reduce the crown's dimensions.

When lower branches are the problem

Crown lifting can create clearance over a drive, path or entrance by removing or shortening selected lower branches. Show the contractor the obstruction and say what needs to pass beneath it. A car, delivery van and pedestrian route require different clearances.

Removing all the lower growth may be unsuitable. Large cuts and the amount of crown left need consideration, particularly on a mature tree. Ask whether shortening a branch would provide sufficient clearance without removing it completely.

When the spread of the canopy is the problem

A reduction may be considered where branches extend over a building or the crown has outgrown the available space. The proposed cuts need to suit the species, condition and branch structure. A vague request to take a percentage off can leave both parties expecting different results.

Ask for the intended finished dimensions or extent of shortening to be recorded. Identify the side or branches affecting the property, and discuss how much change is realistic. More light cannot be guaranteed simply by naming a pruning method.

What to check in the quote

The quote should identify the tree, the proposed work, access arrangements and removal of cuttings. Check whether permissions are required before fixing the date. If a neighbour's land is needed for access, arrange agreement in advance.

If the concern is a crack, dieback or a fallen limb, explain that before asking for routine pruning. A tree assessment or report may be needed to establish the cause and suitable work.

For a tree in Crawley, send Brad a photograph of the whole canopy and mark the particular clearance problem. You do not need to choose the pruning method before calling.