Resumo:
The pruning of trees as a practice to produce knot-free wood is the focus of this essay, which is supported by evidence from research studies in forests of the United State. Technical, biological, phytosanitary, and economic aSpects are considered. It was concluded that pruning is the best means to produce knot-free wood in species that keep dead branches for a long time. We also found that the number of trees per acre that can be pruned is a function of the final number at harvest, and that chosen trees to be pruned should be dominant or codominant with high grow-th rate. We recommend that no more than 25% to 30% of the green crown be removed, in order to avoid losses in diameter and height growth or the Sprouting of epicormic branches. There is a decrease in disease incidence when pruning is applied in stands. Finally, it was confirmed that pruning can be projitable when there is a clear definition of the purpose which the wood will serve, and when the following aspects are considered: rate an time of growth, diameter, and height of the tree crown.
