Forest pruning seems to be something of a lost art. I would venture to guess that most of our woodlots have never been pruned at all, which is unfortunate, as timely and targeted pruning can go a long way toward maintaining tree health and increasingtimber value. When viewed solely through an economic cost-benefit lens, as has traditionally been the case, pruning a woodlot is often deemed a marginal or even risky 'investment' of time and/or resources, as the 'payoff is deferred all the way until thetime of timber harvest. Viewed through a broader, or more personal lens, though, whether or not you ever intend to harvest or sell sawtimber, if you enjoy (or could benefit from) physical activity over the sedentary winter months, and would also simplytake pleasure in tending and growing the healthiest, best quality trees possible in your woodlot, pruning is more than worthwhile, with benefits paid up front and into the future.
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