Thinning
Crown thinning is the selective removal of internal branches evenly throughout the tree to reduce the density of the crown. However, it does not change the overall size or shape of the tree. Crown thinning is designed to reduce damage that could result from crown resistance to strong winds. Crown thinning may be carried out to admit more air and light into and through the canopy.

Crown thinning opens the canopy of a tree, reduces the likelihood of pests and disease/infestation and helps retain the tree's natural shape. The volume of the branches to be removed will normally be expressed as a percentage of the whole crown.

Reduction
With a crown reduction we reduce a certain percentage of the overall dimensions of the tree by removing the ends of branches evenly throughout the crown, leaving a balanced and maintained shape. It is a complete crown treatment and not just a crown reduction in height with no regard for the side branches. This technique is used for many reasons such as to reduce wind resistance, water up-take, to control the size of a tree in a restricted environment or to allow more light through and keep in scale with the surrounding environment.

Lifting
Crown lifting is the selective removal of the lower branches of a trees crown to increase the distance between the base of the canopy and ground level. This type of pruning should, if possible be carried out before a tree reaches maturity in order to avoid large wounds. The national guidelines state that pedestrian walkways must be clear to a height of 2.1m and 5.3m above a vehicle highway. Adherence to these guidelines prevents damage to the public, vehicles and trees.