Home > Pruning shade trees > Thinning the canopy > Photo examples of thinning > Inappropriate thinning > Over-extension
Over-extension from lions-tailing
One result of lions-tailing is over-extension of branches in the canopy. Because all interior branches and foliage were removed, the tree has little option but to push additional growth into the branches that were left. New growth occurs primarily on the outer edge of the canopy causing branches and the canopy to grow even longer and farther from the trunk. This increases end weight on the limbs and causes branches to drooping as shown above. These soon need to be removed. Click to the next photo to see more.
