Adding value to hardwood timber

摘要

ROBIN TRUSLOVE MSCMICFOR ON THE FORMATIVE PRUNING OF TIMBER BROADLEAVES.The need to prune broadleaf trees has arisen from the wider spacings now used in new plantations. These aim to avoid the higher establishment costs associated with higher planting density in the cost of labour, plants and protective materials. The effectof wider spacing is to delay canopy closure and the mutual suppression of side branch growth that, in turn, can lead to poor form. These effects are widely documented. Hart (1991) summarises: "little or no pruning is required for well-stocked, dense crops which have encouraged early side branch suppression". In addition, the technique is now considered good forestry practice as shown by Seaman and Wall (2002), Hemery, Savid & Kerr (2002) and Fenton (2005).