Crown lifting in Cardiff.
Low branches in the way? Crown lifting removes the lowest branches of a tree to let in light, clear paths and driveways, and give room over roads, pavements and buildings.
- City & Guilds NPTC Level 2
- Aerial platform and rope access
- Based in Cardiff
Clearance work
More room underneath.
Crown lifting means removing the lower branches of a tree up to a set height. The rest of the canopy is left as it is, so the tree keeps its size and character while the space underneath opens up.
It is one of the simplest ways to let light into a garden, make room to walk, park or mow under a tree, and keep branches off cars, vans and buildings. Branches are cut back cleanly to the trunk or a main limb, so the tree heals well.
Over roads and pavements, lifting keeps the way clear for pedestrians and traffic. See roadside and commercial tree work for trees on business sites and highways. For a smaller canopy overall, see crown reduction and thinning.
When a tree needs lifting.
Shaded gardens
Low, spreading branches that block light from lawns, borders and windows.
Paths, drives and roads
Branches that catch people, vans and vehicles, or overhang a pavement or road.
Close to buildings
Lower limbs brushing walls, fences, sheds and conservatories, cut back to give clear space.
Crown lifting, start to finish.
Send us photos
Show the tree and the space underneath, and tell us how much clearance you need.
Will checks the tree
Which branches can come off safely, plus Tree Preservation Orders, conservation areas and nesting birds.
A clear quote
A plain quote that explains the height the crown will be lifted to and which branches will go.
Lifted and tidied
The work is done from the ground, the platform or on ropes, and the site is left tidy.
Clearance work in action.
Crown lifting questions.
How high can a crown be lifted?
It depends on the size and shape of the tree. Taking off too many lower branches at once can unbalance it, so Will lifts it to a height that gives you the clearance you need while keeping the tree healthy.
Will crown lifting make my garden lighter?
Usually, yes, especially for light coming in low under the canopy. If the shade comes from the top of the tree, crown thinning or reduction may help more.
Who is responsible for branches over a pavement?
Usually the owner of the land the tree grows on. The council can require owners to cut back trees that overhang a road or footpath, so it is worth keeping branches well clear.
Can you lift trees on commercial sites?
Yes. We lift trees over car parks, access roads and business premises, worked from the aerial platform with signage set out before work begins.
Do I need permission for crown lifting?
Sometimes. A tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order usually needs consent from Cardiff Council before work. For most trees in a conservation area, six weeks' written notice to the council is usually required. Will checks this before anything is booked and can help you through it.
Other tree work we do.
Crown Reduction and Thinning
A smaller or lighter canopy that keeps the tree's natural shape.
About crown reduction and thinningTree Pruning and Shaping
Formative and structural pruning for a healthier, safer and better-looking tree.
About tree pruning and shapingRoadside and Commercial
Overhanging trees on roads, car parks and business sites, worked from the platform.
About roadside and commercialCrown lifting across Cardiff.
We are based in Cardiff and work across the city. Further out? Check your postcode and Will can confirm.
Need more clearance?
Send a few photos of the tree and the space underneath. Will gets back to you to arrange a quote.