A REVIEW OF FREE CROWN MANAGEMENT IN CONIFER ORCHARDS

Literature on tree crown management, including topping and branch prun ing, is reviewed to provide information to foresters who are managing conifer seed orchards. The production of short, wide tree crowns facil itates cone harvesting, supplemental mass or controlled pollination, a nd the control of insects and diseases. However, the changes in tree a rchitecture can also cause problems that result in self pollination an d vulnerablity to physical damage.