IngentaConnect Growth of Residual Branches on Pruned Coastal Douglas-Fir

Authors: Turnblom E.C.; Collier R.L.¹

Source: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 18, Number 3, July 2003 , pp. 185-188(4)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

Abstract:

Anecdotal evidence gathered from pruning crew observations indicates that there may be enhanced branch growth at the new crown base in young pruned coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) trees compared to unpruned trees. This has the potential to reduce the quality and value of the stem above the pruned portion of the bole. An analysis of the size of branches in the remaining crown on pruned trees and matched unpruned trees of the same size at the time of pruning indicates that residual branches do not increase in diameter or length in response to light and moderate pruning. However, with a severe pruning there was a modest increase in branch length. Residual branch size in response to pruning 4 yr after treatment appears to offer no real risk in degrading quality of the unpruned portion of the stem as a cost for increasing the quality of the pruned stem. West. J. Appl. For. 18(3):185–188.

Keywords: Branch length and diameter growth; wood quality; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: Stand Management Cooperative, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100 Seattle, WA, 98195-2100,

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