Clearcutting

Any number of questions must be asked when determining the best way to harvest trees. How many trees need to be eliminated for optimal forest growth? When is the best time to harvest? Which professional can best implement my wants and needs? Possibly the most important question: Which method of tree removal should I choose?

Our primary focus is select harvest. We strategically walk stands of timber to determine which trees are healthy and which are not, which are helping the surrounding forest to thrive, and those which pose a threat to the surrounding ecosystem. We value sustainable timber harvest as one of the most important aspects of forest conservation.

However, while select harvest is our expertise, we acknowledge other logging practices. We understand that different stands and clients call for different harvesting types. That said, we feel it’s important to shed some light on common misconceptions surrounding clearcutting, how it can be beneficial when executed responsibly, and how select harvest differs from it.

Benefits of Clearcutting

The primary objective of responsible clearcutting is to help a forest regenerate itself, thereby prolonging overall timber health. Like the way in which a natural disaster would affect a timber stand, clearcutting removes trees in large quantities, much like a wildfire or tornado would. In a true clearcutting operation, every tree larger than two inches is cut. On a commercial clearcutting project, only marketable trees are taken. Certain tree species (black cherry, spruce, and white oak, for example) thrive in direct sunlight. When a forest becomes too thick to provide enough sunlight, these trees suffer.

Trees that are stunted or poorly formed steal sunlight and nutrients from trees that will likely mature healthily. In short, clearcutting help regenerate forests filled with shade-intolerant trees. Stunted trees don’t lead to healthy forests. Clearcutting does a good job of ensure that these weaker trees are removed from the larger picture.

Wildlife also tends to appreciate clearcut areas. While new trees grow, forest floors regenerate with dense vegetation, offering food and shelter for several animal species.

Downsides of Clearcutting

While clearcutting can be used as a responsible forest management tool, irresponsible or extensive clearcutting can take a toll on forests and the general public.

• Extensive clearcutting results in increased waterway flow due to reduced water absorption by the trees harvested. This may lead to additional erosion or waterway management issues in the near and long term.

• Clearcutting may inhibit the abilities of a forest to adapt and evolve in a holistic manner

• They’re just plain ugly to look at

• Clearcutting and reckless deforestation are often confused by people who don’t operate as stewards

The Bottom Line

When clearcutting is used prudently, it leaves behinds thousands of seedlings that help to re-establish forests with healthier trees that promote better growth. It also leads to increased forest diversity.

While we believe that select harvest is appropriate for many situations, in some cases, clearcutting may be the best option for optimal forest management. Either way, trees should be harvested on the basis of quality rather than quantity. At the end of the day, it’s up to us to protect our forests for future generations. Whether select harvest or clearcutting, however, landowners should always do their homework to select a logging practice that aligns with their views, needs, and goals.

To learn more or to start the discussion about selling your timber, contact us today.