A Guide to Tree Pruning There are many ways of pruning and a list of methods used and an explanation of what is achieved follows. FORMATIVE PRUNING The pruning of young and newly planted trees to remove any defects, deadwood etc. which will encourage the tree to grow with a sound structure. CROWN LIFTING The selective removal of the lower branches of a trees crown. This is done to allow light through and to prevent the tree being damaged from passing vehicles or to reduce the temptation for tree climbing. POLLARDING The removal of all branches leaving just the trunk which is used as a last resort for a damaged tree or to reduce the uptake of water, in some cases. CROWN THINNING The selective removal of internal branches evenly throughout the tree. An effective method of allowing light to travel through the crown and reducing the wind resistance of the tree without altering its shape. CROWN REDUCTION This is the overall reduction of the size of the canopy acheived by removing the ends of branches evenly throughout the crown, leaving a balanced shape. This technique is used for many reasons such as to reduce wind resistance and water up-take or to control the size of a tree in a restricted environment. FELLING AND STUMP REMOVAL The complete removal of a dead or deceased tree to prevent other trees on the surrounding area being infected. CLEANING OUT The removal of deadwood, crossing branches, trunk suckers and growth at the base of a tree. HEDGE TRIMMING The trimming and tidying of hedges, this may also include the reduction of the height of the hedge as required.