pruning

Pruning

You should consider pruning those trees in your woodlot that are being grown to produce sawlogs, especially those of the highest value (based on quality and species). Pruning decreases the amount of knotty wood. Less knotty wood increases the value of your trees. Pruning should be concentrated in the first 16' of trunk because this is the most valuable section of tree.

It is safe to remove all dead branches, but not all live ones. The crown needs live branches for food production. For this reason, never prune greater than 1/3 the live crown and be sure that at least 1/3 of the tree trunk is covered with a live crown (Woodlot #6).

Use shears and saws to prune flush with the thick collar of bark at the base of the branch. Do not cut the thick bark collar because it is made of protective tissue the tree needs to heal.

Pruning is not only done to increase wood value. Doing your own pruning can provide hours of fun and exercise. You may want to prune to improve recreation and aesthetics. It is much easier to ski and walk through a pruned forest that has a park-like appearance.

For more information on pruning visit the U.S. Forest Service's web site on "How to Prune"

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