Crown Thinning

A task that involves the removal of some live growth throughout the crown, trying to retain an even and well balanced branch structure. All broken, dead, crossing and rubbing branches are also removed. This gives the tree an even foliage density, has the effect of allowing more light to penetrate the canopy, encourages healthy new growth, and in the case of fruit trees - better fruiting.

In this instance; thinning of three birches (above), we pruned throughout the crown of each tree, with the aim of allowing more light to some near-by groundfloor flats and the feeling of a wider outlook.

 

As you can see by this shot of a finished tree, thinning can also reveal more of the trees elegant structure, making it more of a feature to look at.

  

Another thinning job (above), this time on a line of cherry trees in Longland Recreation Ground, Eastbourne. The aim was to give the residents overlooking the park a better outlook, and allow more light to the lower flats.

 

Many varieties of cherry (prunus), have quite dense foliage and branch structure to their crowns, often with many tightly crossing branches. The tree can benefit greatly from being ‘thinned out’; retaining strong and healthy branches, pruning out ineffective growth, and therefore maintaining a good structure for the tree’s future.