Crown Lifting

This technique is used to increase the space between the ground and the lowest branches of the tree.

Crown lifting is another common practice in tree surgery. Usually specified in metres, this technique is used to increase the space between the ground and the lowest branches of the tree. The most common reasons for lifting a crown are:

To increase light levels at the base of a tree (possibly to improve grass)
To remove branches that are too low over footpaths and roads
To prevent lower branches interfering with structures such as fences, garden gates.

Crown lifting should be achieved through a combination of reducing the lower hanging secondary branches back to the main branches, and the removal of the lowest main branches.

When removing the lower main branches it is important that neat pruning cuts are made at a bark collar to promote healing over the wounds. “Flush cutting” against the trunk is not advised.