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Crown Reduction vs Crown Thinning vs Crown Lifting

When we visit to quote, we often recommend one of three things: a crown reduction, a crown thin or a crown lift. They sound similar, and people sometimes think they are all just “cutting the tree back”. They are actually quite different jobs, done for different reasons. Here is what each one means.

Crown reduction

A crown reduction makes the whole tree smaller. We shorten the branches all the way around the tree, cutting back to a suitable side branch so the tree keeps a natural shape. Done properly, it should look like a smaller version of the same tree, not a tree that has been chopped.

When it helps:

  • The tree has outgrown the space.
  • It is too close to the house or a neighbour.
  • You want to reduce the weight and wind loading on a tree, for example before winter.
  • On clay soils, to reduce how much water a tree takes up.

Crown thinning

Crown thinning takes out a proportion of the smaller branches from inside the crown, without changing the overall size or shape much. It lets more light and air through the tree.

When it helps:

  • The tree is casting heavy shade over the garden.
  • You want to reduce wind resistance without making the tree smaller.
  • To remove crossing, rubbing or weak branches.

We would normally take out no more than about 20 to 30 percent of the crown, as taking too much can cause the tree to put out lots of new shoots.

Crown lifting

Crown lifting removes the lowest branches to raise the bottom of the crown. The top and the shape of the tree stay the same.

When it helps:

  • Branches are blocking a path, a driveway or a road.
  • You want more light underneath the tree, for a lawn or planting.
  • To create a clear view under the tree.

On a pavement, branches need to be high enough for people to walk under. Over a road, they need to be higher again for vehicles.

What about topping?

Topping is when the top of a tree is simply cut off flat. We do not recommend it. It leaves large wounds, often leads to decay, and the tree tends to regrow a mass of weak shoots that can be more dangerous than before. A proper crown reduction does the same job in a far healthier way.

Questions we get asked

Can you combine these?

Yes, and we often do. A tree might have a light reduction and a crown lift at the same time, for example.

How often will my tree need doing?

It depends on the species and how fast it grows. Many trees need attention every three to five years.

Does my tree need permission first?

If it has a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area, yes. Have a look at our post on whether you need permission to cut down a tree in Staffordshire.

Not sure what your tree needs?

That is exactly what we are there for. M Bissell Trees and Hedges will look at your tree, explain the options and give you a free quote. Our team are NPTC qualified and we cover Stafford, Cannock, Penkridge and across Staffordshire. Call Matt on 07968 421 434 or 01785 82 44 10, or get in touch online.