Better marking means cheaper pruning.

Abstract

Careful selection of trees to be pruned can make the difference between profit and loss on the pruning investment, especially in stands where no thinning is contemplated. Expert marking is required to make sure that the pruned trees will grow rapidly. The most important variable influencing the cost of clear wood produced by pruning is growth rate. For example, at 3 percent interest, the cost of producing clear wood at harvest is $20 per M b. m. for trees growing 2 inches per decade, while the cost is only $12 M b. m. when the growth rate is 3 inches per decade.

Citation

Eversole, Kenneth R. 1953. Better marking means cheaper pruning. PNW Old Series Research Notes No. 87, p. 1-4