Crown Lifting

Information about crown lifting

When crown lifting may be useful

Crown lifting can be a good option when lower branches are causing an obstruction or limiting the use of the space beneath a tree.

It is commonly used to:

• Increase clearance over footpaths, roads and public areas
• Improve access along driveways, entrances and boundaries
• Allow more light into gardens and nearby buildings
• Reduce obstruction around windows, signs, fences and structures
• Improve the shape and balance of the lower crown
• Manage healthy trees where a full crown reduction may not be the best option

In some circumstances, crown lifting can be more suitable than crown reduction, especially where the tree is healthy and the main issue is low growth rather than overall height or spread.

Crown lifting for highways and public areas

Crown lifting is often described in terms of the required clearance between the ground and the lowest branches.

For example, a crown may be lifted to provide 3 metres of clearance above a footpath.

The Highways Act 1980 requires trees and vegetation not to obstruct the passage of other users. The Highways Authority requires a clearance height of 2.5m over footpaths and 5.2m over roads.

Light, access and long-term management

Crown lifting can also be useful around homes and gardens. For example, removing selected lower branches can allow more light into an upstairs window or help create a brighter, more open space beneath the crown.

When crown lifting is carried out properly, the lower crown can often remain clear of new growth for several years. This can make it a cost-effective option compared with repeated reduction work, depending on the tree, its condition and its location.

Professional crown lifting by Norfolk Trees

Norfolk Trees was established in 2002 by Ashley Barnes and operates throughout Norfolk and East Anglia. Our tree surgeons are fully qualified for the work they undertake and have experience across all aspects of tree care.

Our work includes dismantling, felling, crown lifting, crown reductions, dead wood removal, formative pruning, tree surveys to BS5837, tree hazard reports, pest and disease diagnosis, bat inspections, stump grinding or treating and tree planting.

Clients can be confident in the quality of our work. Norfolk Trees holds £10,000,000 public liability insurance and all work is carried out to BS3998:2010.

In addition to domestic tree work, we undertake commercial work for local authorities, parish councils and other organisations, including the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland Council, Serco, South Norfolk Council, Broadland Council, NCC Highways, KierMG and Anglian Water, along with numerous other clients.