Rural Payments and Services

High pruning is used to increase light levels along path edges, to open up views or create a variety of habitats.

The area where pruning is to occur must be detailed on your Woods In and Around Towns Operational Plan map.

Clearance must be to between 3.6 metres and six metres above ground level and to a minimum of five metres in from the edge of the path on both sides. Pruning must be carried out using purpose-made hand or mechanical pruning saws. Cuts should be flush with the stem.

The first stage of high pruning larger branches is to remove most of the weight of the branch to ease the later cuts. This is achieved six to 12 inches away from the stem by a first undercut to prevent splitting followed by a second top cut which severs the branch at this point. Before the final cut is made the 'branch bark ridge' must be identified: this is an external feature which is readily visible at the trunk / bark junction. The final cut must not disturb this ridge or the internal anatomical features associated with it.

This standard cost presumes that the woodland has been brashed previously or that lower branches are minimal.