Measures to support forest growth and climate change adaptation

Diverse and abundant forest resources are the foundation for the sustainable use of forests. However, the trend of increasing forest growth observed in recent years has now reversed and turned into a decline. Well-selected measures can improve forest growth, resilience, recovery capacity, and vitality.

Climate warming, along with increasing drought and pest risks, poses challenges to forest growth, adaptability, and resistance to damage. In 2024, we compiled key factors affecting forest growth and strategies to enhance it.

Carefully chosen and site-specific tree species selection and forest management practices can increase the resilience, recovery capacity, and overall health of forests. Adaptability is improved by species diversity, biodiversity, the presence of deciduous trees, and the use of appropriate planting material.

Forest growth can be significantly increased by using improved seed and seedling material in forest regeneration, by reforesting with tree species suited to the site, and by ensuring the vitality of young stands through proper tending.

Thinning is beneficial for production forests, but overly intense thinning should be avoided, especially in Scots pine stands. Final fellings in mature and healthy forests can be delayed by a few years to increase carbon storage and tree size. Forest fertilization can also boost growth, but must be done in a way that does not cause water pollution.