Professional tree crown thinning services
Supporting tree health and growth
Crown thinning can be an effective way to improve the health and safety of your trees, and allow more light into your garden.
Our arborists will carefully assess your tree and then remove branches to reduce the density of the tree’s crown to the required level.
We’ll prioritise removing dead, diseased, damaged and weak branches, to boost the tree’s health and reduce the risk of any branches falling.
Frequently asked questions
The tree crown is the uppermost part of the tree, including all branches, stems and leaves. Crown shapes vary from tree to tree, for example they can be round, conical, columnar or weeping.
This is the selective removal of stems and branches usually undertaken on hardwood trees.
The aim is to increase light penetration as well as air movement throughout the tree’s crown. This method of pruning is usually achieved without altering the shape and size of the tree.
Rubbing and overlapping branches are selectively removed together with diseased wood, the crown is then pruned to lower its overall density.
This depends on the result that’s required. However, we don’t tend to remove more than 15% to 25%of the crown density in one go, otherwise this can stress the tree. If necessary, we will carry out the thinning over more than one visit.
It is worth considering that excessive crown thinning can impact the tree’s “mass damping”. This is the complex movement of the tree’s branches and foliage to dissipate wind energy. This movement reduces stress on the main stem and large secondary branches, increasing the tree’s stability and safety. Our experienced team will ensure that your tree retains its ability to withstand high winds.
This pruning method is great for:
- Making the tree safer by removing dead, damaged, weak or crossing branches which might be prone to falling.
- Reducing wind resistance so the tree is less likely to be damaged in a storm.
- Letting more light into the crown (keeping the tree healthier) and surrounding garden.
- Promoting stronger growth by reducing the competition among branches for nutrients, light and water.
- Encouraging flowering and fruiting.
We often advise this as an alternative to the full removal of a healthy tree.
No, the shape of the crown will remain the same. Crown thinning reduces the density of branches rather than changing the shape.
If your tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or is growing in a conservation area, you will probably need permission to thin the crown. When we visit your site for your initial consultation we’ll assess the work required and advise you about whether consent may be required.
Read the government’s advice on TPOs and conservation areas.
Yes, find out more about our crown raising and reduction services.
These will be chopped or chipped on site and we can either remove the resulting wood or, if you prefer, leave it with you to use.