Tree Canopy Lifting or Raising

What is Tree Canopy Lifting or Raising ? 

Tree pruning to remove some of the lower branches is called tree canopy lifting or tree canopy raising, they both refer to the same practice. They are also often called tree crown raising and tree crown lifting. All these different terms refer to the same type of pruning technique. It is essentially removing the bottom layer of branches from a tree or the lower lateral branches from a larger limb so that the resulting tree canopy or tree crown is higher above the ground level. Tree crown raising is a very common practice for our Sydney North Shore tree pruning clients and is typically carried out on nearly all trees as they mature within the urban forest environment.

What are the benefits of Tree Canopy Lifting or Raising ? 

Tree canopy lifting or tree crown lifting can provide a number of benefits to both the tree and the owner of the tree, these are listed below:

• Increased lower canopy clearances from buildings, service wires, road traffic and pedestrians. This is the most common reason for tree canopy raising for Sydney north shore tree trimming clients.
• Increased solar access underneath the canopy through to the clients property or garden. This is particularly important with the winter sun that comes through at a much lower angle. Removal of the lower branches allows this light to reach through during the winter months and the upper branches are still remaining for shade in the summer months.
• Decreased end weight in large lateral limbs to reduce the potential for failure under heavy loads. Particular common technique for trees that have heavy fruits or might have a defect in the structural limb.
• Raising of the canopy to create improved vistas or more space underneath the canopy of a tree for amenity purposes. 

How do you carry out Tree Canopy lifting or raising ? 

Sydney north shore tree pruning in the form of tree canopy raising or tree crown raising is done according to the standards outlined in AS-4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees and also the techniques learned when obtaining a professional arborist qualification. Much of the education is based on exactly where the pruning cuts should be made with regards to the location of a branch collar to ensure that epicormic growths (i.e. new little shoots that grow very rapidly) do not appear and cause future issues with the overall tree form, and also damage is not inflicted on the section of the tree that will remain. Correct pruning exactly to the location of the branch collar will ensure the tree naturally closes off the pruning wound and its natural defence system (CODIT – Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees) will ensure the that fungal pathogens cannot enter the main structural branches of the tree. It is also important to know what size of branches can be removed (i.e branches should always be pruned back to a branch junction no less than 1/3 of the diameter of the branch being removed) and the overall volume of branches removed from a canopy (i.e. generally no more than 10% of the canopy within one year). The skills and arborist knowledge required to carry out reduction pruning correctly is essential to ensuring the tree pruning works do not adversely effect the future form and structural integrity of the tree. Our Sydney North Shore tree trimming team only uses expert arborists to ensure you get the highest level of tree services.

What does raising the crown of a tree mean ?

This refers to the pruning of some of the lower branches on the tree to increase the distance the crown or canopy is above the ground level. The term ‘crown’ means the same as ‘canopy’ in arborist terminology. 

What does it mean to elevate a tree ?

This is a less commonly used term to describe the same process of trimming the lowest branches of a tree to provide more clearances or eliminate low hanging branches. This type of pruning always needs to be carried out by a certified arborist.

Does cutting branches kill a tree?

Tree pruning and cutting of branches doesn’t not kill the tree but it should always be done by a professional arborist and in accordance with AS-4373-Prunity of Amenity Trees to ensure the tree can retain its correct structural form and health. In most cases it is not advisable to prune more than 10% from the tree canopy per annum. All Sydney Tree Solutions arborists are experts at advising our North Shore Sydney Tree Pruning clients exactly how much we pruning can occur to ensure these conditions are met.

How much does it cost to prune a tree ? 

The cost of Sydney North Shore tree pruning, which is sometimes termed ‘tree trimming’ is a very common question we get from our clients and they often think there is a simple answer or that its mainly to do with how big or tall the tree is but it actually comes down to a variety of factors that in combination determine how long the works will take, what machinery is required, and the skill levels and number of personnel necessary to do the tree pruning works safely and professionally. The price to prune a tree depends on a huge variety of factors but primarily it can be determined by 3 main considerations:

 – SIZE – How big is the tree – Height, Canopy width

 – DIFFICULTY – Complexity of pruning process? – Complex rigging, Safety, Site factors

 – ACCESS – Access from tree to road where truck and mulcher is parked.

With over 20 years of experience pricing Sydney tree pruning jobs our arborists can give you expert advice of how its best to prune a tree for its safety and also to reduce the maintenance costs that may be required. The prices get much cheaper if doing more than 1 tree on the same site.

What areas do we cover with our Sydney tree removal services ?

Sydney Tree Solutions offers tree pruning and removal services in the greater Sydney area although the majority of our customers are within the Sydney North Shore. We serve areas like Killara, St Ives, Gordon, Turramurra, Wahroonga and Hornsby in the North Shore. Other areas we provide our tree services are Castle Cove, Willoughby, Artarmon, Lane Cove, Cammeray, Mosman, Chatswood, and Castlecrag in the Lower North Shore.

Do I need my council permission? 

There are often several exempt tree pruning and tree removal works that can be done without council approvals but you may need to have council permission if the work is outside the scope of tree pruning as prescribed by the Council Tree Preservation Order. The council arborists will need to check the tree and the site to determine whether you will need permission or not. Our professional north shore Sydney arborists can also advise you on when council permits are required for Sydney tree removal and tree trimming works.

Why use Sydney Tree Solutions? 

Sydney Tree Solutions is a professional tree services company that provides tree removal and tree pruning services to the north shore Sydney and greater Sydney suburbs. We have an experienced team of Sydney arborists and north shore Sydney tree removal experts to ensure that you have a safe, friendly, and professional tree removal service. Our arborists are fully certified to AQF Level 3 or AQF Level 5 and have a wide knowledge and experience on how to remove and prune all types of trees. Contact us today or call 0405 095 095 for professional tree removal and pruning services.