Reduction pruning

Reduction pruning is the process of shortening a branch back to a suitably sixed side lateral branch. Reduction pruning can be carried out to reduce the likelihood of limb failure in risk management works, to provide clearance, or for aesthetic reasons. Maintaining the trees natural shape and habit is important in this process to ensure the tree retains a pleasing appearance and so that the work achieves the desired outcome. Reduction pruning is not usually carried out across the entire canopy. Rather it is a specified set of works for a specific purpose. Reduction pruning is not a means to make trees smaller.