This desktop review report provides an overview of current and emerging mechanical and robotic tree pruning equipment for use in plantation forest management. Recently, increased interest has been expressed by plantation forest managers in the potential economic use of mechanical or robotic tree pruning systems to do pruning either for bushfire risk management or improved resource value. The RD&E sector has expressed interest in both importing and testing specific commercial solutions, or the design and development of specific solutions for Australia. However, before committing an RD&E investment in this space, an independent international review of the state of the technology in use, or development for mechanical or robotic tree pruning is requested.
This technical review is supported by a literature review on the development and application of mechanical and robotic tree pruning.
Project number: PRC522-2021
