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Renovation techniques

Virtual Windbreak

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Pruning

Pruning is the removal of branches from the lower part of a tree’s stem.  Pruning will decrease the density in the lower part of the windbreak.  This technique is most often used to increase spreading of snow across a field.  While pruning is technically simple, it can be very physically demanding. 

Sometimes, the branches which are cut are already dead, having been killed by shading.  Dead branches should be removed whenever possible, as they often serve as habitat for harmful insects and diseases.  Pruning live branches removes a source of food (leaves) from the tree.  Therefore, no more than ¼ of the live branches should be removed in pruning.  Branches should be cut at the branch collar, swollen tissue at the base of a branch, where it joins the stem (Figure 3-1). 

Figure 3-1. Proper and improper pruning techniques.  Diagram from Zeleznik et al. (2005).