Pruning Western hemlock (EP 1065.02)

Objectives

To determine and compare the impact of different severity's of pruning on the growth, yield and value of coastal western hemlock, based on remeasurements and observations from permanent sample plots. The rate of healing and timing studies will also be studied.  

The pruning severity experiment was established in 1992 at two installations, one at the Jordan River site and one at the Naka Creek site. The treatments consisted of five levels of pruning severity, expressed as the linear length of live crown remaining: 4.5m, 3.5m, 2.5m, 1.5m and a control where trees remained unpruned. The treatments were applied to 0.0576 hectare rectangular plots. Each treatment was replicated three times in each of the two installations, for a total of 15 plots per installation.  Just prior to pruning, all plots (including the control) were thinned to a 4 metre spacing (625 stems/hectare).

Status

Active.  

Publications

• de Montigny, L. and S. Stearns-Smith. 2001. Pruning density and severity in coastal western hemlock: 4 year results. B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Exten. Note 51.