Prune trees for better health and higher value

Pruning removes lower branches from a tree. It is an important forestry technique that provides a number of benefits including:

• Prevents knots in timber, producing higher quality wood.
• Helps decrease fire danger by eliminating fuel ladders
• Improves disease control by eliminating diseased or insect infested branches
• Eliminates hazardous branches
• Provides easier access within the forest
• Allows more light to reach the forest floor, encouraging pasture growth

Winter, the dormant season, is a good time to prune. This will minimize sap and resin flow in conifers, which reduces the potential for bark beetle attack.

Prune correctly (see illustrations below). The object of the operation is to remove the branches as close to the tree stem as possible without leaving any stubs.

1. Cut part way through the branch from beneath at a point one or two feet from the trunk.
2. Make a second cut on the top of the branch, at a distance of 1/3 to 1/2 the diameter of the limb from the first cut. This should allow the length of the limb to fall from its own weight and be safely removed.
3. Complete the job by making a final cut next to the trunk, just outside the branch collar; with the lower edge farther away from the trunk than at the top.

Using the illustrations above, final cuts should be made from points C to D. Do not cut along C–X, which is an imaginary vertical line to help you locate C–D. First cut part-way through the branch at A, then cut it off at B. Make the final cut at C-D.

Various tools are used for pruning. The correct tool depends on the size of the branch to be pruned. Hand pruners can be used for very small branches. Small pruning saws or lopping shears are used for larger branches. Larger branches require a pruning saw. Pole pruners can be attached to extension poles to reach branches beyond reach. Chain saws for the largest branches should be used only by qualified persons. Safety should always be a prime consideration. Keep all tools clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of disease from infected to healthy trees.

If you are interested in pruning for clearwood, talk to a forester for information on market opportunities and pruning strategy. Prune only species with a market for clearwood lumber. Decide the length of clear logs you want to produce. Prune only potential crop trees. Begin pruning when your trees are small. It is necessary to balance pruning with growth. Try to maintain about 50 percent of the total tree height in live crown. Pruning is done in a series of successive ³lifts,² usually three to five lifts over the life of the tree.