Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches to raise the lower canopy to the desired height. Good practice dictates crown lifting should not normally include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk as this can cause large wounds. Crown lifting on older, mature trees should be avoided or restricted to secondary branches or shortening of primary branches rather than the whole removal wherever possible. Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light transmission to areas closer to the tree or to enable access under the crown but should leave the crown at least two thirds of the total height of the tree. Crown lifting should be specified with reference to a fixed point, e.g. ‘crown lift to give 5.5m clearance above ground level’.

The most common reason for crown lifting is probably where trees are situated on driveways or next to roads to allow larger vehicle access. It could also be that the tree is located in a garden or footpath and the branches are too low to walk underneath.

You can prepare for this service by making sure anything valuable is removed from the vicinity and all obstructions are also removed to assist us in getting our team and equipment in allowing us to get the job finished safely and on time.