Crown Raising

Here's how it works

Crown raising is often done to improve access underneath the tree, make space for vehicles, pedestrians, or buildings, or to enhance visibility in a garden or public area.

When we do crown raising, we focus on removing the smaller, lower branches while leaving the upper branches intact. It’s important to only remove the right branches and not take off too much at once, as we want to ensure the tree stays healthy and maintains its natural shape. This technique helps prevent the tree from becoming overcrowded at the base, improves air circulation, and can reduce the risk of damage from pests or diseases. It also makes the tree look more aesthetically pleasing by giving it a cleaner, more open appearance."

The equipment we use for the job

For crown raising, we typically use a combination of tools to safely and efficiently remove the lower branches of a tree. The main equipment used includes:

Chainsaw: A chainsaw is often used for cutting through thicker lower branches, especially on larger trees. It’s ideal for making clean, controlled cuts on branches that are too big for hand tools.

Hand Pruners (Secateurs): These are used for cutting smaller branches and twigs that are too fine for a chainsaw. They help with precision trimming and removing small growth at the base of the tree.

Pole Saw: A pole saw is a tool that allows the tree surgeon to reach and cut high branches without needing to climb the tree. It’s typically used for cutting branches that are out of reach but don't require a chainsaw.

Climbing Gear: For larger or higher branches that can’t be reached from the ground, we may use climbing gear, including ropes, harnesses, and other safety equipment, to ascend the tree and remove lower branches more effectively.

Pruning Saw: A pruning saw is a smaller, handheld saw used for more precise cuts, especially on medium-sized branches that aren’t too thick. It provides a good balance between control and cutting power.

Aerial Work Platform (Cherry Picker): In cases where the lower branches are very high or difficult to reach from the ground, a cherry picker or aerial work platform may be used. This piece of equipment allows the tree surgeon to safely access the tree’s crown to perform the pruning.

Rope and Rigging Equipment: When working on higher branches, we may use ropes, slings, and pulleys to safely lower cut branches to the ground. This ensures that the surrounding area remains safe from falling debris.

These tools allow the us to effectively remove lower branches and raise the tree’s crown while maintaining safety and minimizing damage to the tree itself. The specific equipment used will depend on the tree's size, the height of the crown, and the complexity of the task.