Crown Thin

Crown thinning is the removal of the smaller branches within crown of the tree to reduce density of the crown.

Crown thinning includes crown cleaning and does not alter the overall size or shape of the tree.

Common reasons for crown thinning are to allow more light to pass through the tree, reduce wind resistance or to lessen the weight of heavy branches and improve form.

Crown Lift

Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches 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).

Crown Reduction

Crown reduction is used to reduce the height and/or spread of the crown of a tree by the removal of the ends of branches.

Crown reduction may be used to reduce mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree, make the tree more suited to its immediate environment or to reduce the effects of shading and light loss, etc.

The final result should retain the main framework of the crown, and so a significant proportion of the leaf bearing structure, and leave a similar, although smaller outline, and not necessarily achieve symmetry for its own sake.

Sectional Felling

Sectional Felling is the complete removal of a tree down to ground level.

This work involves the careful lowering of branches and timber so as not to cause damage or destruction to surrounding plants and structures. The stump will be left as close to the ground as possible but will be above soil level.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is the removal of tree stumps after felling.

A 26-inch wide clear access is needed for the machine. The stump grinding machine will quickly grind the stump down to a minimum of 9 inches below ground level but in most cases completely remove.

The resulting debris is a mixture of soil and small wood particles left in situ, this product is normally disposed of within most gardens as a mulch, but can be removed if required.

Pollard

A frequently misunderstood term, and used in two different contexts.

Traditionally and still commonly used this term describes the removal of all branches from the trunk.

Mature trees that have not been pollarded before are generally not suitable candidates for this type of pollarding due to the large wounds that such treatment produces which may jeopardise the long term future of the tree.

A less frequently used definition can mean the regular (annual of biannual) pruning back of small branches to the same point resulting in the formation of a ‘pollard head’. Pollarded trees usually require regular treatment of re-growth.