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Plant a new forest to start growth right away

A new forest can be established by sowing or planting, or naturally with seed trees. Planting is suitable for most site types and means that the new forest will start to grow quickly. On more barren site types, a new forest can also be established by sowing.

Planting is the surest and fastest way to establish a new forest because by planting, a new generation of trees starts to grow immediately, and the sparsely wooded phase is shorter.

For the new forest to start growing quickly, it is advisable to plant the seedlings as soon as possible after regeneration felling and soil preparation. Moreover, forest regeneration is easier and more successful if it is carried out before ground vegetation covers the area. In addition, the seedlings get a head start on the ground vegetation and brushwood, which improves their growth and survival.

Did you know this about planting a forest?

  • The planting season begins in the spring, when the ground has thawed, and continues until the end of June. With a suitable type of seedling, planting can also be carried out in August–September.
  • Depending on the tree species, 1,600 to 2,200 seedlings are planted per hectare in the regeneration area.
  • The seedlings supplied by Metsä Group are grown from improved seed stock, which means that the trees grow faster, and their quality and climate resilience are better.
  • It is important to plant the right forest species for each site type. Spruce and birch require more nutrients and humidity than pine, which does well in barren and even dry environments.
  • When establishing a new forest, you can order mixed cultivation of pine and spruce from Metsä Group. This means planting spruce and either planting or sowing pine in the regeneration area. Read more here.

Your personal forest specialist can help you choose the right tree species and type of seedling.

  • Sowing pine is suitable for more barren sites

    Sowing pine is suitable for more barren sites

  • Seedlings can also be planted in the autumn

    Seedlings can also be planted in the autumn

Request an offer on forest management

Request an offer on forest management from your local forest specialist. The forest specialist knows which forest management work needs to be carried out in your forest. Forest management includes for example the establishment of a new forest and young stand management. You can also request an offer in the Metsäverkko service. These services are only available in Finland.

Subject of the offer request
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Frequently asked questions

When should a forest be planted?

The planting season begins in the spring when the ground has thawed and continues until the autumn. Seedlings are usually planted in the spring or early summer, but planting can also be carried out in the autumn, in August or September.

How many seedlings per hectare should be planted?

Depending on the tree species and site, 1,600–2,200 seedlings should be planted per hectare.

How do you choose the right tree species and seedling type?

The tree species is chosen based on the site type: spruce and birch require more nutrients and moisture; pine is suitable for drier and more barren sites. A forest specialist can assist with the selection of the right tree species and seedling type.

Can seedlings be planted in the autumn, and what should be taken into account then?

Yes, seedlings can also be planted in the autumn. Autumn planting is especially suitable for spruce on frost-free mineral soils, but it is not recommended on fine soils and peatlands because of the risk of surface frost.

When is sowing pine the best option for forest regeneration?

Sowing pine is most suitable for barren sites that are not heavily grassed. Sowing is done in prepared soil as soon as possible after regeneration felling, and cultuvated seeds are used.