What is the term for the practice of pruning to enhance tree structure and health?

Crown thinning refers to the selective removal of branches to reduce the density of a tree's crown while maintaining its overall shape. This practice is crucial for enhancing tree structure and health, as it allows for improved light penetration and better air circulation within the canopy. This reduction in density can help prevent issues related to overcrowding, such as weak branches or fungal diseases, ensuring that the remaining foliage receives adequate light and nutrients. By promoting a balanced structure, crown thinning can significantly enhance the overall vitality of the tree, making it an important technique for landscape professionals focused on tree health and longevity.

Other terms related to crown management serve different purposes. For instance, crown raising involves removing lower branches to provide clearance, crown reduction focuses on reducing the height and spread of the tree, and crown cleaning targets the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches. Each of these practices serves its unique function, but for the specific goal of enhancing the structure and health of a tree, crown thinning is the most appropriate choice.