Even the eastern white pines are pruned. Andy wants a clear log that is at least 12 feet in length from each pine. The lowest whorl of branches is carefully pruned off each spring until the desired clear length is achieved. Andy knows that aromatic eastern red cedar can yield higher profits when grown as clear wood. Each pruned tree, conifer or hardwood, is maintained with approximately one half pruned trunk and one half healthy canopy, regardless of the age or height.
Good farmland can also foster wood crops without hampering normal farm practices.
Andy knows a few farmers who tree-crop around the perimeters of productive farm fields. Instead of just a windbreak, you have a windbreak that is also producing a crop of quality saw logs. In New Zealand these are called 'timberbelts'. Farming within the field continues as normal. Crops and farm buildings are sheltered from strong winds.