Crown lifting or 'crown raising' is the removal of the lowest branches and/or preparing of the lower branches for removal in the near future.

Typically crown lifting does not normally include the removal of larger branches of which are growing directly from the trunk of the tree as this will cause  short term instability and the large wounds which can then become decayed, cause long term health issues. Whenever possible on older, more mature trees, crown lifting should be limited to the removal of secondary branches or at most the shortening of primary branches.

Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light in areas close to the tree or to enable access underneath but should be restricted to less than 15% of the live crown height and leave the crown at least two thirds of the total height of the tree.