It’s not unusual for customers to ask “What is crown thinning?” or “Why might I need crown thinning performed on my trees?” If you would like to know the answer to these questions, or to any other questions related to this particular arboricultural procedure, we invite you to read today’s blog post.
What Is Crown Thinning, Why Is It Performed and What Specific Benefits Does It Offer?
We’re going to start with a clear explanation of this commonly employed tree surgery procedure, before moving on to look at reasons to consider it and the specific benefits it has to offer.
The procedure explained:
Crown thinning involves the removal of carefully selected branches in a tree’s crown/canopy to create a less crowded structure. The branches removed are most often taken from the outer crown and are typically secondary rather than primary branches. A skilled tree surgeon will ensure that the end result of crown thinning is a nicely balanced crown structure that retains the tree’s original shape whilst creating more space in between individual branches in the upper/outer canopy.
Reasons to consider crown thinning:
The following are all good reasons to consider crown thinning for one or more trees that are growing on your land:
- If You Need More Daylight – Trees with very thick canopies can stop sunlight from reaching the space beneath them. If there are trees surrounding your property that are stopping daylight from reaching the interior, you can hire a tree surgeon to thin the crowns of each specimen rather than having the trees removed. In this way, you will enjoy more natural light whilst maintaining a pleasant, green environment around your home or commercial premises.
- If High Winds Pose a Danger to Your Trees – Some trees with particularly dense crowns are sometimes at risk of being felled by very strong winds. Thinning the crowns of such trees allows high winds to travel through them more easily, helping to prevent them from being blown over in stormy weather conditions.
- If Your Trees Have Damaged or Diseased Branches – A crowded canopy often results in diseased or damaged branches. In such cases, prompt removal of the branches in question and an overall thinning of the crown will resolve the problem and stop it from reoccurring in the future.
- If You Wish to Increase Yields of Fruit Trees – Fruit trees with crowded canopies often produce less fruit. By thinning the crowns of these trees it is possible to increase their yield, turning uneconomical performers into valuable sources of income.
If you are currently looking for a solution to one of the above-mentioned issues, you are welcome to contact us to discuss your needs with a member of our team.
What Are the Primary Benefits of Crown Thinning?
After asking “What is crown thinning?” many customers go on to ask about the primary benefits of this procedure. If you are still not sure whether crown thinning is the right option for your trees, considering the following benefits may help you to make up your mind:
- Healthier Trees – With more space to grow, branches in the crown are usually healthier and more vigorous.
- More Productive Trees Fruit trees that receive more light underneath their canopies are normally more productive.
- More Stable Trees – More spacious crowns do not act like large sails in stormy weather.
- More Aesthetically Pleasing Crowns – A crown that has been expertly thinned by an experienced tree surgeon will normally be more pleasing to the eye.
For a competitive quotation covering all your crown thinning needs in North East Scotland, call or email us now.
Our qualified team of experienced Arborists offer sustainable and cost-effective forestry and arboriculture services. For the long-term health and success of your trees. From small urban gardens, large estates and anything in between.