4 Reasons to Treat Your Tree to Crown Thinning
Unlike crown reducing, which actually lowers the height and spread of a tree's canopy, crown thinning removes some of the tree's structure without actually altering its size or shape. A good way to think of it is by imagining going to the hairdresser to have your hair thinned. Your stylist would work to make your head of hair less thick, but it would still fall to the same length.
Now that you understand what crown thinning is, you should learn what kinds of benefits it holds. Here are just four reasons to have the crown of a tree thinned.
1. Crown Thinning Improves Light Levels
Some people plant trees specifically to provide shade, especially if they live in hotter parts of the country. However, some homeowners can begin to find that the darkness and coolness created by the shade of a thickly-branched tree is a little undesirable; after all, you don't want to find most of your garden covered in shadow. Crown thinning will let more light pass through the canopy.
2. Crown Thinning Removes Weaker Branches
When a professional carries out crown thinning, they don't act indiscriminately. In fact, they will take care to cut away the weakest branches. If a branch seems more likely to break apart in the future, it will be removed first. Additionally, a professional will be able to identify any signs of infection or decay, then remove the offending branch.
3. Crown Thinning Reduces Wind Resistance
One of the most common reasons for crown thinning to be carried out is to reduce what is often referred to as the 'sail effect' – the bending of a tree that tends to take place when it is struck by a strong wind. With more branches and leaves to brush against, wind resistance is greater, and so trees with very thick canopies are more likely to be uprooted; even if they are not, it is more likely for branches to snap off and cause damage. Crown thinning reduces wind resistance to prevent any damage from occurring.
4. Crown Thinning Creates a Nicer Appearance
Even if you're happy with the amount of shade your tree gives and aren't concerned about the wind, you'll probably want your tree to look as nice as possible. During crown thinning, care will be taken to create a clear and symmetrical pattern, so you should be surprised by just how much better and more balanced the tree looks after work has been carried out.
Contact a tree pruning service in your area for more information.