Harvesting team in Swedish final felling

Overview

Final felling, or "slutavverkning" in Swedish, is a pivotal aspect of forest management. It marks the conclusion of one forest generation and sets the stage for a new one. This process provides significant economic returns and is meticulously regulated to ensure sustainable forestry practices.

Planning Process

Pre-Felling Planning

1. Forest Stand Assessment: Evaluating the age, species composition, and health of the trees. This includes:

   • Age Class Distribution: Determining the age distribution of the forest stand.

   • Species Composition: Identifying the different tree species present.

   • Health Evaluation: Assessing the overall health and vitality of the trees.

2. Environmental Considerations: Identifying areas that need to be preserved for biodiversity, water protection, and other ecological values. Key considerations include:

   • Protected Areas: Marking zones that require protection, such as habitats for endangered species.

   • Water Protection Zones: Ensuring buffers around water bodies to prevent soil erosion and water pollution.

   • Landscape Features: Preserving unique landscape features like old-growth trees and stone walls.

3. Reforestation Strategy: Planning how the area will be replanted or naturally regenerated after the felling. This involves:

   • Species Selection: Choosing appropriate tree species for reforestation.

   • Planting Methods: Deciding between planting saplings or using natural regeneration methods.

   • Maintenance Plan: Outlining maintenance activities like weeding and pest control.

Field Visit

1. Tree Marking: Marking trees to be felled, ensuring only mature and selected trees are harvested. This step involves:

   • GPS Mapping: Using GPS technology to map the trees and boundaries.

   • Identification Tags: Placing tags or marks on selected trees.

2. Mapping: Creating digital maps that outline boundaries, basic routes, and areas for consideration. Key elements include:

   • Boundary Lines: Clearly defining the felling area.

   • Access Routes: Planning routes for machinery and transportation.

   • Consideration Areas: Marking zones for environmental protection and biodiversity.

3. Pre-Clearing: Removing undergrowth, bushes, and small trees to facilitate the felling process.

Execution

1. Felling: Cutting down trees using advanced machinery or manual methods. Techniques include:

   • Harvesters: Machines equipped with cutting heads that fell, delimb, and cut trees to length.

   • Clear-Cutting: Felling all trees in a designated area, often used for even-aged stands.

   • Selective Cutting: Removing mature or diseased trees while leaving the rest of the forest stand intact.

   • Shelterwood Cutting: Leaving some trees standing to provide shelter for the new generation of trees.

2. Extraction: Transporting felled trees to a landing area for processing and loading. This involves:

   • Forwarders: Machines that transport the felled trees to the landing area.

   • Harwarders: Combination machines that perform both felling and forwarding tasks.

Technical Aspects

Machinery and Equipment

1. Harvesters: Equipped with cutting heads and computers to measure lengths, diameters, and volumes. They ensure precise cutting and efficient processing.

2. Forwarders: Transport felled trees from the forest to a landing area.

3. Harwarders: Combination machines that can perform both felling and forwarding tasks.

Environmental Techniques

1. Buffer Zones: Areas near water bodies and sensitive sites are left unfelled to protect the environment.

2. Deadwood Retention: Leaving some dead trees standing to provide habitat for wildlife.

3. Biodiversity Efforts: Preserving diverse species and habitats within the forest.

Economic Impact

Final felling provides 80-90% of the profit from the forest. The harvested timber is used for construction, paper production, energy, and other purposes. The economic benefits support the forest industry and contribute to Sweden's economy.

Reforestation

After final felling, the area is prepared for new growth. This can involve:

1. Planting: Planting new trees to ensure a new generation of forest.

2. Natural Regeneration: Allowing the forest to regenerate naturally from seeds and sprouts.

3. Maintenance: Caring for young trees to ensure healthy growth.

Conclusion

Final felling in Sweden is a well-regulated and essential part of sustainable forest management. It balances economic benefits with environmental protection, ensuring that forests continue to thrive for future generations.