Overview

Crown reduction is a tree trimming technique that involves carefully cutting back the branches of a tree to make the overall size of its canopy smaller. The primary goal of crown reduction is to reduce the tree’s size while keeping it healthy and preserving its natural shape and structure. This technique is much gentler than tree topping, which involves removing large sections of the tree and can result in significant damage. Instead, crown reduction focuses on maintaining the tree’s balance, often by trimming the tips of branches, thinning the canopy, or reducing the height in a way that still looks natural.

Crown reduction is typically recommended for trees that have grown too large for their location. Reducing the size of the canopy helps prevent branches from growing into buildings, power lines, or other trees. It also promotes better airflow and sunlight, which is essential for the tree’s health and for the plants around it.