“Pruning white pine for blister rust control is the most effective, valuable, and simple silvicultural practice for family forest owners. Pruning decreases rust infection. Pruning promotes high-value clear wood production. And pruning can be safely performed by the entire family any time of the year.”
            Dennis Parent, Forester, Inland Empire Paper Company

This practical, full-color, pocket-sized guide will guide you in deciding whether to prune white pine to prevent blister rust disease and in the actual practice of pruning. Topics covered include

• Pruning basics (season, height, cuts, etc.)
• Pruning tools
• Silvicultural and economic considerations in pruning
• Identifying blister rust cankers
• Monitoring for blister rust
• Identifying ribes, blister rust’s alternate host


Authors—Chris C. Schnepf, extension forester at the University of Idaho, has provided educational programs to foresters, forest owners, loggers, and others for close to 20 years.
John W. Schwandt, forest pathologist with the USDA Forest Service in Coeur d’Alene, has been instrumental in developing pruning and monitoring programs for white pine blister rust throughout northern Idaho.