forestry-and-silvicultural-worksForestry and silvicultural works

Natural and artificial pruning

natural-pruning-in-forest

Pruning is the process of removing branches from the base of tree trunks. This process can occur naturally – natural pruning, or by human intervention – artificial pruning. If artificial pruning is correctly carried out, high-quality and knot-free wood can be obtained.

Natural pruning

It is a common phenomenon in young and dense forest stands, due to the lack of light at the base of the crowns. Thus, the greater the density of a forest stand, the more intense the natural pruning is. The capacity of trees to discharge some branches from the base of the crown also varies depending on the tree species.

natural-pruning-birch
natural-pruning-beech-fagus
natural-pruning-spruce-tree
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Artificial pruning
artificial-pruning-wound-spruce-tree

It involves the mechanical removal of dry or living branches, up to a predetermined height on the trunk. Artificial pruning can be performed both in forest stands and in the case of individual trees (in parks and gardens).

The main objective of this silvicultural intervention is to produce knot-free, high-quality wood. Therefore, this silvicultural intervention is performed on the future crop trees (vigorous trees, proposed to be exploited last). The future crop trees are chosen according to the following criteria:

  • of species of economic interest (oak, ash, maple, cherry tree, walnut, spruce, fir, douglas fir, pine or other species);
  • vigurous specimens;
  • healthy specimens;
  • well-shaped specimens;
  • specimens without deformations;
  • the specimens should be evenly spaced through the stand.
Recommendations for artificial pruning:
  • the first artificial pruning intervention is performed when the breast height diameter of the tree is 8-12 cm;
  • recommended period for artificial pruning:
    1. cherry and walnut: June-August;
    2. poplar and birch: July-August;
    3. other species: March-April (shortly before the start of the vegetation period);
  • maximum thickness of the pruned branch: 3-5 cm;
  • the thinner the branch to be pruned, the faster and better the wound is closed;
  • the maximum height up to which this silvicultural intervention is performed: 6-9 m (2-3 meters in 2-3 rounds);
  • more than 20-30% of the crown height should never be removed;
  • the cut must be smoot and clean;
  • the cut can be made:
    1. perpendicular to the branch,
    2. parallel to the stem axis;
  • the branch bark ridge or the branch collar must be protected;
  • thicker branches are removed by two cuts: the first one at a distance of a few cm from the trunk, the second one at a distance of a few mm from the trunk;
  • if possible, treat the wounds with specific substances (fungicides).
Tools used for artificial pruning:
  • manual, hydraulic or pneumatic shears (including long-handled pruners);
  • manual or mechanical saws;
  • engine-powered pruning chainsaws.
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artificial-pruning-inervention
artificial-pruning-spruce-tree

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Artificial pruning of ornamental trees

Trees in gardens, courtyards, parks, and other public spaces can be pruned in order to free up space and maintain a good phytosanitary condition of trees. In addition, the appearance of the tree is improved by removing dry and weakened branches.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • trimming is the process of removing the green shoots from the trunk (epicormic branches or water sprouts);
  • the high quality wood is produced by the tree 5-10 years after the removal of branches;
  • the access into the forest is facilitated after performing this silvicultural intervention;
  • artificial pruning involves high costs, the investment being recovered only at the age of forest exploitation (40-100 years later).
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