White Pine Blister Rust Pruning

Definition

Removal of live branches from white pine trees to prevent the spread of white pine blister rust by increasing air flow within stand and produce valuable knot-free trees.

Eligibility Criteria

The area was previously planted or naturally regenerated with white pine as the dominant crop tree species.

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

• Prune only white pine trees
• Crop trees must be at least 2 m in height
• Use handsaw or pruning saw; pruning shear for branches <1 cm diameter
• Remove lower branches to minimum 25% and maximum 50% of total tree height
• All pruned branches may be left on site
• Prune when white pine blister rust is dormant
• Make cuts outside branch collar, leaving maximum 0.5 cm stub
• Maximum 5% damaged residual stems allowed