Tree Growth Response to Line Clearance Pruning

Abstract

The branch and sprout growth response of six species of street trees (Norway maple, box elder, silver maple, sugar maple, Siberian elm and green ash) following electric line clearance pruning was studied in Green Bay, Wl. Differences in tree regrowth were observed after three and four growing seasons between species, pruning methods, and crown positions at which the pruning had occurred. Top pruning regrowth rates generally exceeded side regrowth rates. Regrowth associated with roundover pruning was observed to exceed that of natural (lateral/drop crotch) pruned trees, with more variability in regrowth rates associated with trees having been roundover pruned.