Modelling discoloration and duration of branch occlusion following green pruning in Acer pseudoplatanus and Fraxinus excelsior

Our results indicate that pruning reduces the duration of branch occlusion and, hence, has the potential to increase the proportion of defect-free wood. Furthermore, the duration of branch occlusion after artificial pruning should be minimized in order to reduce the risk of discoloration and decay. Therefore, green pruning should start early in the life of a tree when its branches are still thin and be applied only to vigorous trees that can occlude the wounds rapidly.