The crown is the top part of the tree that comprises the branches with all their leaves, flowers, or fruits. Crown reduction involves removing some of the branches to reduce the overall weight or size of the crown. Below are some of the reasons for the crown reduction.
Prevent Storm Damage
A large crown gives a tree a large surface area on which wind, snow, or ice can latch. The large surface area effectively increases the weather-related forces affecting the tree. This is why large trees are more likely to fall during a storm than small trees.
Even for trees that don't fall, strong winds can cause longitudinal cracks on the tree's trunk known as torsional cracks. The cracks form as tree trunks twist due to wind forces. Crown reductions can help your trees survive the storm season.
Encourage New Growth
Sometimes all a dormant tree needs to produce new growth is to have its crown reduced or thinned. If you remove some parts of the tree, its survival instinct will kick in. The tree may produce new growth to help it capture and synthesize more food or produce new seeds. Try crown reduction before removing a tree because it is dormant.
Prevent Structural Interference
Some trees grow so big that they threaten nearby structures. For example, a large tree can cause roof damage if its branches drop leaves on the roof or scratch the roof's surface. Such damage increases the wear and tear of roofing materials, as well as the risk of roof leaks. A large tree can also cause damage to electrical infrastructures, such as nearby electrical lines. Crown reduction can help prevent such damages without you having to remove the whole tree.
Reduce Shading
If you have a large tree in your yard or garden, then its shade might affect the plants under the tree. The tree's shade might fall on the grass, flower garden, or vegetables under the tree. Plants need sunlight to survive, so the affected plants won't grow as well as they should.
Reducing or thinning the crown allows more light to reach the ground and helps the plants grow. The light penetration will also benefit the tree since the reduction will expose the inner foliage to adequate light, too.
Crown reduction may be beneficial, but only if you do it right. Otherwise, you might end up with an unbalanced and unhealthy tree. Get a tree professional to reduce your tree's crown in a healthy and safe manner.
To learn more, contact a company like Baumann Tree.