Crown Reduction
Crown reduction is an operation that involves the overall reduction in the height and spread of a tree. It involves the selective removal and shortening of branches to create a smaller crown that retains a framework of healthy branches capable of producing leaf cover in subsequent growth seasons. Successful crown reductions should also seek to fulfil the functional requirements of the job specification whilst maintaining the tree's natural aesthetic. Excessive reductions can be both harmful to the tree and very ugly.
Crown reduction should not be confused with pollarding which is far more drastic and is not suitable for all species of tree. The scope of a reduction will depend on tree's species, size and structure, as well as the customer's requirements. We will work with the customer to develop a suitable plan based on the specific situation.
The tree above is a mature Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) covered by a Tree Preservation Order. Our customer asked us to reduce and re-shape the crown in order to manage its size and reduce shading into their garden without radically altering its overall appearance. We first proposed and agreed a specification with the customer in line with BS3998: Tree work - Recommendations and then approached the Local Planning Authority with the proposed reduction. Consent was subsequently granted and we carried out the work to the agreed specification.
The example above is a Cherry (Prunus avium) also protected by a TPO. In this case, we were able to secure permission to substantially reduce the height of the tree whilst preserving its natural shape. The example below is a similar approach to the reduction of a Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica glauca) in a Conservation Area.