A.5.10 - Tree Crown Thinning.

Crown thinning is the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement and to reduce end weight on tree branches. Crown thinning can reduce risk of storm damage among intact tree canopies, allowing wind to pass through canopies of "balanced" foliage and stems.

a.

Proper thinning involves removing branches at their point of origin or back to appropriate lateral branches.

b.

Thinning does not normally influence the size or shape of the tree and should result in an even distribution of branches along individual limbs, not a grouping toward the ends.

c.

Removal of only interior branches can create an effect known as lion-tailing. This displaces foliar weight to the ends of the branches and may result in sunburned bark tissue, weakened branch structure, and breakage.

(Ord. No. 4492, § 9, 6-21-2016)