A feasibility study of a commercially available remote-controlled and high-rate tree pruning unit to create fuel modified zones in softwood plantations

The project will evaluate remote-controlled, high-pruning technology in softwood plantations to reduce fire risk and improve suppression in P. radiata plantation edges, taking into account OH&S, applicability and cost. Fire has caused significant losses in Australian plantations and perception of risk can be a barrier to investment in greenfield plantations, while manual pruning is an OH&S risk, labour-intensive and expensive.