Growth following pruning of young loblolly pine trees: some early results

Abstract

In the spring of 2000, a designed experiment was established to study the effects of pruning on juvenile loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) tree growth and the subsequent formation of mature wood. Trees were planted at a 3 m x 3 m square spacing in plots of 6 rows with 6 trees per row, with the inner 16 trees constituting the measurement plot. Among the treatments were an unpruned control and a treatment where half the live crown was removed at age 3 (live crown length was reduced by half). Measurements at the time of treatment and 1 year after treatment for each tree included d.b.h., total height, height to base of live crown, crown width within the row, and crown width between the rows. In addition, 1 and 2 years after treatment at ages 4 and 5, upper stem diameters at two positions in the crown were measured. Results are presented that show the initial impact of early pruning on tree growth. Additional measurements gathered over the life of the study, including wood samples, will provide a more complete understanding of the effects of pruning young loblolly pine trees.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

Amateis, Ralph L.; Burkhart, Harold E. 2006. Growth following pruning of young loblolly pine trees: some early results. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-92. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 42-44