Certain species that have outgrown their environment or suffer from the tips of the crown dying back can be sympathetically reduced back to improve the shape of the tree. This is called a
crown reduction
and is a very difficult thing to do well and should only be done by experienced arborist.
Proper pruning by a skilled arborist can make the difference between a beautiful healthy tree and a messy, unsightly tree. Every cut made on a tree has the potential to change the growth patterns of the tree. Improper pruning can damage a tree permanently or even shorten its life.