Crown Lift / Crown Raising

Crown Lift or Crown Raising

One of the most effective methods for increasing light transmission is crown lifting. This is the removal of the lowest branches and also allows for lower branch removal in the future.

Best practice is making sure the crown is still protected and crown lifting shouldn’t normally include the removal of large or older branches that grow directly from the tree trunk. This can cause large wounds which could potentially decay and in time lead to further long term problems or in the short term some biomechanical instability.

If possible, crown lifting should not be carried out on older, mature trees or at the very least be restricted to secondary branches or the shortening of primary branches rather than the whole removal.

This effective method of increasing light transmission to areas closer to the tree will enable access under the crown, but removal of foliage should be restricted to less than 15% of the live crown height.

When carrying out a crown lift you should leave the crown at least two thirds of the total height of the pre treated tree. It is recommended that crown lifting should be specified with reference to a fixed point of height, e.g. ‘crown lift to give 5.5m clearance above ground level’.

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