Crown Lifting

This involves removing or reducing the lowest branches on a tree to increase the ground clearance beneath the canopy.  This is usually achieved by removing secondary growth to avoid making large wounds on the main stem. It can be a great way to increase light under the crown and provide clearance to buildings or infrastructure.  In some cases land owners have a legal duty to make sure that clearance to footpaths and highways is maintained. Local authorities usually require a minimum of 2.4m over a footpath and 5.4m over a highway.