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Forest regeneration (4.2)
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| Figure 4.2. Natural and regeneration by planting and seeding,
1965-2010.
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Under the Forest Act, after regeneration felling a new economically
viable seedling stand whose development is not directly
threatened by other vegetation must be established in the area
within a reasonable period of time. Reproduction takes the form
of natural regeneration19, provided that the site has the potential
for the production of natural seedlings. This is judged on the basis of growing stock, soil and surface vegetation. Otherwise,
clear felling is used – all trees are removed and the site is seeded
or planted with reproductive material of local origin.
In 2010, some 133,000 hectares of forest were regenerated. The
total area of regeneration was the smallest in 30 years, which
was partly due to the decrease in the amount of fellings. Fellings
aiming at natural regeneration were carried out on 24,000
hectares, planting was used on 84,000 hectares, and 25,000
hectares were seeded. In the period 1996–2010, the total area
of forest regeneration has varied from 133,000 to 178,000 hectares
annually. The proportional share of natural regeneration
of all forest regeneration was about one fourth, that of seeding
one fifth, and planting more than a half.
Altogether about 35% of the present Finnish commercial forests
are regenerated by seeding or planting. The rest are established
either by natural regeneration or assisted natural regeneration.
Even in artificially regenerated stands there are lots
of naturally grown trees, promoting the formation of a mixed
species composition.
19 Forms of regeneration: In natural regeneration, the new generation of trees is
established naturally from the seeds of seed trees or shelterwood left standing in
the felling site, or from seed in the woods adjacent to the felling area. In artificial
regeneration, the new tree generation is established by seeding or planting. Even
in artificially regenerated stands there are lots of naturally grown trees. |
