Thinning of forestry trees
Management Activity
Thinning of forestry trees is akin to selective logging in that specific trees are removed while others are left to continue growing, however the intent and timing of the activity is different. The aim of thinning is too remove unproductive vegetation from a forest or plantation to maximise the growth potential of the remaining trees, effectively weeding. The removal of less productive trees or other plants creates more growing space for those remaining. Thinning is normally carried out in the early part of the production cycle of the forest or plantation (e.g. at 10 years) before there is a detectable decline in overall growth of the tree crop. Thinning may impact on several ecological and biophysical pathways, subsequently resulting in changes such as altered hydrology and/or ecosystem services.
The direct impacts of thinning of forestry trees may include:
- Loss of deep-rooted perennial trees and shrubs
- Reduced ground cover
- Reduced canopy cover
- Increased invasion of environmental weeds
The use of heavy machinery during thinning may result in:
Last updated: 04 November 2008