Production of high-grade timber in young stands of Scots pine

A model optimizing single-tree growth in young stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was used for economic analyses of pruning. Normal sawlogs, butt-logs for slice veneer and for through-and-through sawing and pulpwood were cross-cut. According to the analyses, a dense, naturally regenerated stand should, preferably without pruning, be thinned initially from below for reduction of stem number followed by thinnings from above to produce high-grade timber. A less dense naturally regenerated stand and a stand planted in dense spaces (1.5-2.5 m) can be pruned followed by a similar cutting programme. Owing to high pruning costs and a long period of healing-over, a stand with larger spacing (> 2.5 m) is not suitable for high-grade timber production and should be thinned from above twice followed by an early final cut. The conclusions are drawn under assumptions of average levels during the 1990s of timber prices, management costs and discount rate.