Crown lifting is the removal of the lowest branches and/or preparing of lower branches for future removal. This does not normally include the removal of large branches growing directly from the trunk – this can cause large wounds in the tree, which can become extensively decayed, leading to further long term problems. Crown lifting on older, mature trees should be avoided or restricted wherever possible. Crown lifting is an effective method of increasing light transmission to areas closer to the tree, or to enable access under the crown.