Crown Reduction
/kroun ree-DUK-shun/🌲 Arboriculture●● Intermediate
Crown reduction decreases the overall size of a tree's crown by pruning back leaders and branch terminals to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal role (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem). Unlike topping, crown reduction maintains the tree's structural integrity and natural form. It is used to manage clearance issues, reduce wind load, or maintain trees within a defined space.
Etymology
From Latin corona (crown) + Latin reductionem (a leading back)
Example
“Crown reduction by 15% maintained the elm's natural form while reducing encroachment on the power lines.”