The growth in diameter at breast height (DBH), height and volume was evaluated in clones of Eucalyptus grandis [HILL ex MAIDEN] under different artificial pruning intensities (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m height above ground level) with the first pruning starting at the age of 20 and 28 months. The second pruning for all treatments was performed in plants aged 33 months to obtain a 3m log . By the age of 40 months, the artificial pruning did not affect significantly (p>.05) tree growth (DHB, height and volume) when the first pruning was applied at the age of 20 months. Pruning starting at 28 months affected significantly DBH and volume growth. A rapid crown recovery was observed for this clone after pruning, independently of the pruning treatment. Taking into account that there was no significant difference in growth when pruning started at f 20 months, and that at this age the live branch diameter was still reduced and the number of dead branches was quite low, it is recommended that pruning for this clone established in the Brazilian savannah should be done approximately at the age of 20 months in order to attain high quality boards .
Artificial pruning; growth, Eucalyptus grandis clone
