Alternative collection methods for red spruce (Picea rubens) cones

Abstract

Commercially available pole pruners, hydraulic lifts, firearms, and certified tree climbing personnel are the most common means of collecting single source seeds from individual trees. These methods are highly productive at suitable locations, but have serious shortcomings for collecting red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) cones at high elevations in both the southern highlands and Northeastern States. Rough, inaccessible terrain precludes hydraulic lifts and makes collections by tree climbers’ time consuming, while commercial pole pruners are difficult to handle once extended beyond 6–7 m. We present a novel pole pruner that is capable of reaching heights of up to 12 m, expanding the range and ease of use over commonly available pruners. Alternative collection methods are also presented, including cutting cone bearing limbs with specialized chainsaw chains and shaking cones loose from trees with ropes from heights of up to 25 m. Strategies for setting lines and removing and securing cones with ropes are offered.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 19th biennial southern silvicultural research conference

Citation

John R. Butnor, Kurt H. Johnsen, Robert Eaton,Thomas Christensen, and Chris A. Maier. 2018. Alternative collection methods for red spruce (Picea rubens) cones. In: Kirschman, Julia E., comp. Proceedings of the 19th biennial southern silvicultural research conference; 2017 March 14-16; Blacksburg, VA. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-234. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station, pp.410-412