Why are trees pruned in forestry?

Pruning trees in forestry has several purposes, and one of the primary objectives is to increase the amount of clear wood. This is important because clear wood is free from knots and imperfections, which enhances the commercial value of the timber. When branches are removed during pruning, it allows the tree to allocate more resources and energy into producing higher quality wood in the central trunk, promoting growth that is straighter and less hindered by lateral branches. This is particularly valuable in species often grown for timber where the quality of the yield affects market prices.

Enhancing growth of branches, removing damaged bark, and reducing tree height serve other purposes but do not directly relate to the primary goal of maximizing clear wood production. Each of these can be important in specific contexts; for example, removing damaged bark is crucial for tree health, while reducing height might be relevant for certain aesthetic or safety reasons. However, the overarching goal in many forestry practices centers around the quality of the wood produced, making the increase in clear wood the key focus of pruning efforts.