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Project Title: White Pine Pruning Trial
Project Number: SX - Norris2
District: Arrow Boundary Forest District
Location: Mosquito Creek
Lat. 50 12'N Long. 117 59'W		 Opening: TFL 23 Comp 214
Principal Researcher: Don Norris
Ministry of Forests
Nelson, B.C. V1Z 5P4		 Phone: (250) 354-6889
e-mail:
Don.Norris@gov.bc.ca

Objectives:

To test the effect of three factors on the healing rate of white pine pruning wounds

Experimental Design:

Treatments:

  • pruning so as to cut into the branch collar (flush) compared to leaving a short stub (normal)
  • spraying "dirty" water on the pruning wounds compared to no spray treatment
  • compare the effect of aspect on pruning wound healing

Layout:

Sample trees were randomly selected and numbered 1 to 100.

  • Trees 1 to 25 were pruned normally on the north side and flush on the south side
  • Trees 26 to 50 were pruned normally on the south side and flush in the north side
  • Trees 51 to 75 were pruned normally on the east side and flush on the west side
  • Trees 76 to 100 were pruned normally on the west side and flush on the east side.
  • Five trees in each group were randomly selected to be sprayed with dirty water

History:

  • 1994 - Pre-treatment assessment and pruning (spring)
  • 1996 - reassessment (fall)
  • 1998 - reassessment (spring)
  • 2001- Final Report

Status: Dormant

Reports and Publications:
none

Comments:

Trees left with branch stubs have not occluded, while those pruned to the branch collar have healed.