The process of reducing the overall canopy of a tree.

In most cases Basson's Arboriculture recommends a crown reduction of 20% or less. Large reductions can lead to heavy re-growth, which will block out light and can damage the health of a tree. Every tree that we work on is cut to a strong growing junction or back to a collar. This promotes healthy, strong growth that is more natural looking and better for the tree. Heavy reductions, or cuts that are in the wrong place, will 'fool' the tree into thinking that it has had storm damage. The tree's dormant buds will then produce fast growing, weak wood with a large amount of leaf to make sure it can harness enough energy from the sun.

The process of thinning the canopy of the tree to allow light through.

Normally combined with a light crown reduction, this generally reduces re-growth to a minimum.

The process of removing lower limbs to allow light through from underneath. This produces minimum re-growth.