INTERMEDIATE CUTTINGS 



99 



Only the trees intended for the final crop should be pruned, 

 as to prune those of the subordinate crown classes, which will die 

 or be removed in thinnings, would be a useless expense. 



Various tools can be successfully used in forest pruning. If 

 only dead limbs are removed, a blow from the back side of an axe 



Fig. 40. The results of pruning in producing clear lumber. The tree from which this 

 lumber came was pruned up to, but not including, the set of knots marked B. 



or a heavy stick will often do the work. On the higher limbs and 

 where the limbs are small, pruning hooks do the best work. 

 Where larger limbs are found, a saw is needed. The cuts should 

 be smooth, and close to the trunk, so that they may readily heal 

 over. 



