Why Cut Down Trees?
Contrary to common belief, sometimes
harvesting trees helps keep a forest healthy. A Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)
is one tool to increase forest vigor. Much like weeding a garden, TSI promotes
growth of the best trees for wildlife and timber while removing undesirables in
order to improve the health & diversity of the stand. Elsewhere in the
forest you may see demonstrations of three other forest management tools: clear
cutting, shelterwood, and thinning.
Clear Cutting
When a forest stand is unhealthy, overcrowded, too old, or full of undesirable species a forester might recommend a clear cut. Then, loggers would cut down all the trees in the stand. Also known as a “regeneration harvest,” a clear cut mimics a large-scale disturbance and sets the natural process of succession in motion. The timber provides raw material for various goods and income for the landowner. Foresters can replant trees in the now-open land to guide and accelerate succession. In this way, clear-cutting only facilitates the natural processes of tree rebirth and colonization, instead of disrupting it.
Shelterwood
Shelterwood harvests are ideal for regenerating specific species. Foresters select the strongest, healthiest, and most desirable species to remain in a stand. These are called "shelter trees" because in addition to providing seeds for new trees, their canopy protects young seedlings from the elements. When the new trees mature the shelter trees can be harvested, granting the young trees access to more water and nutrients. The resulting stand is populated by healthy trees of the desired species.
Thinning
The purpose of a thinning is to reduce the density of trees within a stand. Dead, diseased, and undesired trees are removed to improve the overall health and quality of the remaining trees. The process mimics natural growth and reduces competition, allotting each tree more of the resources it needs to grow tall and strong.
Clear Cutting
When a forest stand is unhealthy, overcrowded, too old, or full of undesirable species a forester might recommend a clear cut. Then, loggers would cut down all the trees in the stand. Also known as a “regeneration harvest,” a clear cut mimics a large-scale disturbance and sets the natural process of succession in motion. The timber provides raw material for various goods and income for the landowner. Foresters can replant trees in the now-open land to guide and accelerate succession. In this way, clear-cutting only facilitates the natural processes of tree rebirth and colonization, instead of disrupting it.
Shelterwood
Shelterwood harvests are ideal for regenerating specific species. Foresters select the strongest, healthiest, and most desirable species to remain in a stand. These are called "shelter trees" because in addition to providing seeds for new trees, their canopy protects young seedlings from the elements. When the new trees mature the shelter trees can be harvested, granting the young trees access to more water and nutrients. The resulting stand is populated by healthy trees of the desired species.
Thinning
The purpose of a thinning is to reduce the density of trees within a stand. Dead, diseased, and undesired trees are removed to improve the overall health and quality of the remaining trees. The process mimics natural growth and reduces competition, allotting each tree more of the resources it needs to grow tall and strong.