The process of thinning the canopy of a tree is commonly known as a crown thin, it is used to improve light by alleviating branch congestion in particular trees. This process is often preferred to crown reduction because it does not alter the overall shape and amenity of the species involved. Some trees react better than others to this operation and once carried out can become a regular process in order to maintain the achieved goal. Crown thinning also reduces the canopy or tree to failure by reducing the wind and other weather elements effect on branches, boughs and root systems.