Thinning is conducted on large or small trees for a number of reasons. You may have a tree that is very dense with a lot of foliage blocking light to your property so removing some of the branches will allow light to pass through naturally without altering the overall shape of the tree. Thinning also encourages the new growth that will more readily bear fruit and flowers and improves a tree’s structure and form.

Crown thinning is the selective removal of live branches to reduce crown density, usually up to 30 percent and the removal of dead or congested shoots. This involves removing inner branches in the crown region of a tree, particularly weak branches, reducing the amount of foliage in that area. Crown thinning allows wind to pass through or into the pruned section of the crown, which can improve durability in a storm and sunlight penetration to the ground while making life uncomfortable for tree pests.