What happens as more of a tree's crown is removed during maintenance?

As a tree's crown is more extensively pruned, the tree may respond with increased shoot growth, particularly in the areas that are not pruned. This phenomenon is related to the tree's natural adaptation to stress. When a significant portion of the crown is removed, the tree often attempts to compensate for the lost leaf area by producing new shoots. This response ensures that it can continue to photosynthesize and maintain its energy levels despite the reduction in foliage.

However, it is important to note that while some initial response may be an increase in shoot growth, excessive crown removal or improper pruning can lead to negative consequences, such as decline in overall tree health. Therefore, although the option selected suggests that shoot growth is likely to increase, this outcome depends on the balance of other factors, including the tree species, the timing of pruning, and the overall health of the tree before maintenance occurs.

Understanding this response is crucial for arborists because it underscores the importance of careful and strategic crown reduction practices to promote healthy tree growth and minimize potential stress-related issues in the long term.