Take care of the vitality of your forest

Tips for taking care of forest vitality

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  Use domestic tree species in regeneration

  

  Use domestic tree species in regeneration

  For forest regeneration, we supply forest owners with tree species that grow naturally in Finland – pine, spruce and silver birch. This allows us to ensure the preservation of the forest nature to which other domestic species have also adapted. The lushness of the growth spot affects which tree species are most suited for it, which in turn affects the quality of wood – so select the right tree species for growth spot. Consult our forest specialist when selecting the most suitable tree species for forest regeneration.

  We always supply seedlings of the highest possible quality for your forest. Bred trees grow 10–30% better than naturally generated trees 

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  Increase the mix of tree species in forests

  

  Increase the mix of tree species in forests

  Forests of a single tree species are more vulnerable to damage. By increasing the mix of tree species in forests, it is possible to increase their biodiversity, damage resilience and adaptability to a changing climate. You can order the establishment of a new mixed forest consisting of pine and spruce from Metsä Group.

  Broadleaved trees usually spread to regeneration areas naturally. The preservation of the forest as a mixed forest must be taken care of during the later stages of forest management, and some of the naturally growing broadleaved trees should be preserved from early thinning onwards.

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  Remember timely management of young stands

  

  Remember timely management of young stands

  Young stand management creates space for the highest-quality trees. Trees need space, light and nutrients to maintain their vitality. Timely management of young stands also prevents tree damage that would otherwise occur in an overly dense forest.

  We maintain the share of broadleaved trees in conifer stands from early clearing onwards. Varied tree species not only keep your forests diverse, but also increases your options and improves the climate resilience of the forests. 

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  Thinning improves the vitality of the trees and prevents damage

  

  Thinning improves the vitality of the trees and prevents damage

  In thinning, some trees are removed to give the remaining trees more room to grow. Competition between trees is reduced and the remaining trees have more light, nutrients and water. Increased growth space improves the vitality of the trees in your forest, and climate change further emphasises the importance of this.

  Correctly timed thinnings also prevent wind and snow damage. Thinning also strengthens the root system of the trees and the trees become more resistant to wind. Trunks that have become thin are very prone to breaking or falling under the weight of snow. When possible, the edges of regeneration areas should also be planned in accordance with the prevailing wind directions to minimise the risk of wind damage.

  Read more here.

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  Act fast to prevent spruce bark beetle damage

  

  Act fast to prevent spruce bark beetle damage

  Although spruce bark beetles normally only affect weak spruce trees, in larger numbers, they can also damage healthy spruce stands. You can recognise damage caused by spruce bark beetles in trunks from small holes with dripping resin and sawdust. The map in the Metsäverkko mobile application also helps you to identify vulnerable areas.

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  Stump treatment protects your forest against root rot

  

  Stump treatment protects your forest against root rot

  As a result of global warming, damage caused by root rot can also become more prevalent in spruce and pine forests and affect forests further north. Currently, root rot is estimated to cause approximately 50 million euros’ worth of damage annually. Harvesting when the ground is unfrozen includes stump treatment to prevent root rot. Harvesting entrepreneurs at Metsä Group’s felling operations perform the treatment according to the instructions. The stump treatment is included in the price paid to you for the wood.

  Read more: A changing climate accelerates forest damage