Canopy raising removes lower branches to lift the crown of a tree, and it is one of the most common pruning requests we get across North Metro Denver, for reasons beyond just clearance.
On mature cottonwoods and elms, raising the canopy improves airflow and light penetration, reduces the chance of low limbs failing under snow load, and makes room for foot traffic, mowing, or a driveway without compromising the tree's structure.
Done correctly, this is measured pruning guided by where the central leader and major scaffold limbs are, not indiscriminate cutting. Removing too much too fast stresses the tree and invites decay.
If low branches on a mature tree are becoming a hassle, there is a right way and a wrong way to fix it.
#CanopyRaising #TreePruning #NorthMetroDenver #Arbortec
Authentic photo preferred: before/after of a canopy-raised tree, or a climber working on a cottonwood or elm. Before/after pairs are the strongest format for this kind of educational post.
Canva text suggestion: "Canopy Raising: Prune With a Plan" or "There's a Right Way to Raise a Canopy"