Crown thinning reduces the density of a tree’s canopy without significantly altering its overall size or shape. It is one of the more skilful tree surgery operations — removing the right branches in the right quantities to improve the health and resilience of the tree while maintaining its natural appearance. Arbortech Professional Tree Services carries out crown thinning across Somerset for a wide range of clients and tree types.
We cover Taunton, Yeovil, Martock, Ilminster, Bridgwater, Wellington, Somerton and all surrounding towns and villages. Free, no-obligation site visits are available, and written quotations are provided on request.
What Does Crown Thinning Involve?
Crown thinning involves the selective removal of smaller branches and secondary growth from throughout the canopy. The aim is to achieve a more even, open structure that allows light and air to pass through more freely. The overall height and spread of the tree is largely unchanged — it simply becomes less dense.
In practice, most thinning operations aim to remove no more than 20–30% of the live canopy in a single visit, in line with best practice guidance under BS 3998.
Why Thin a Tree’s Crown?
Crown thinning can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Increasing light levels in gardens or through windows without reducing the size of the tree
- Reducing wind resistance in the canopy, which lowers the risk of branch failure in storms
- Improving air circulation, which can help reduce certain fungal conditions
- Removing crossing, rubbing or poorly placed branches that could cause problems over time
- Improving the visual appearance and balance of the tree
Where the main concern is light, it is worth discussing with our arborists whether thinning or crown lifting would better address the problem — sometimes a combination of both is the most effective approach.
Qualified and Insured Tree Surgeons
All crown thinning carried out by Arbortech complies with BS 3998. We are approved contractors for Somerset County Council and the Duchy of Cornwall, hold full public liability insurance, and are EXOR accredited for health and safety.
Crown Thinning Across Somerset
If you feel a tree on your property has become too dense, or you are losing light without wanting to reduce the size of the tree, we are happy to visit and advise on the best approach.
