Abstract

The objective of this paper is to determine the pruning level that does not affect tree growth, increasing the amount of clear wood production in a single lift at age 1.3 years. The experiment was developed in the municipality of Aracruz, Espirito Santo state, Brazil. The pruning intensities considered were: 40%, 55%, 70% and 85% of the total tree height, as well as no pruning for control. The results obtained three years after pruning showed that it is possible to reach up to a 70% of total tree height pruned (mean pruned height of 7.3 m) in a single pruning lift without affecting the size of the 700 largest trees per hectare in diameter. High intensity pruning (85%) translated into negative effects on tree growth. Low intensity pruning (40%) also had moderate effects on growth, possibly due to exposure of negative effects of leaf area removal without benefiting from the positive effects on canopy characteristics. Finally, the paper discusses different thinning regimes and its implications on the pruning regime. The results of this research can contribute to improve the management of fast growing plantations for timber production.