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Singling, tip pruning and stem form improvement for Koa. Forest Solutions, Inc. November 16, 2012. Why is it needed?. Acacias have poor apical dominance Heavy lateral branching Competing leaders This is exacerbated by Psyllid attacks that kill apical meristem
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Singling, tip pruning and stem form improvement for Koa Forest Solutions, Inc. November 16, 2012
Why is it needed? • Acacias have poor apical dominance • Heavy lateral branching • Competing leaders • This is exacerbated by • Psyllid attacks that kill apical meristem • Frost / drought that also kill tips • Open growing conditions
What is singling and tip pruning? • Singling • Removing competitive leaders only • Cut flush with stem of sapling • Target small (1/4” or less) branches • Tip pruning • Remove tips of competing leaders only • Keep photosynthetic area • Reduce competition from side branches
Singling and tip pruning: Cases 1 – 3 Singling Tip pruning
Singling and tip pruning: Cases 4 – 6 Singling Tip pruning
Singling schedule • Entry 1 at 10 months • Entry 2 at 16 months w/ tip pruning • Entry 3 at 24 months w/ tip pruning • Cost • Approximately $ 80 - $ 90 per acre depending on ground conditions
Cost consequences of insufficient pruning • Pruning at 5 - 6 years • Large dead branches • Telescoping chain saw necessary • Longer time per tree • Pruning at 3 - 4 years • All live branches • Hand saw sufficient • Shorter per-tree times • More trees eligible for pruning