In this article, we will explain what timber harvesting is and why it is important. Those who engage in timber harvesting generally follow a method of forest management. Proper and thoughtful planning is necessary to carry out timber harvesting.Once you choose the method or technique, implement it effectively. If the planning and approach are not correct, it can harm our forest management and result in financial losses.
In this article, we will explain how we perform timber harvesting, why we do it, and why it is necessary. Through this, we can improve and make our forest management better and more sustainable.
Reasons of timber harvesting
The important reason for timber harvesting is that we need to take very good care of our forest, managing the trees properly, nurturing them, and ensuring their growth in the best possible way. As we all know, excessive cutting of wood is very harmful to us, our agricultural resources, and the environment. Additionally, if we do not manage the forest properly, it can have very negative and harmful impacts.
Timber harvesting methods
There are different methods of timber harvesting
Clear cutting
The clear-cutting method removes plants from any area or place.. In this way, the forest management imitates the results of natural problems, meaning that the new plants or trees that grow in the forest benefit most from this method. This process creates a system where proper sunlight is essential for growth. For example, if we do not cut the trees or plants that are causing problems, it will prevent the growth of new trees and plants because they need sunlight to thrive. The excessive growth of old trees blocks the sunlight, preventing new growth from reaching its full potential.
Shelter Wood
The main purpose of these timber cuts is to cut these trees multiple times over a period of 15 to 20 years. These trees are those that provide shelter for many other plants growing nearby. The primary reason for this method is that it greatly benefits the life and growth of the forest. It serves as a food source and shelter for wildlife. The shelterwood method is especially effective because it allows smaller plants to grow alongside the strong trees, making it the best and most effective way to promote forest regeneration.
Seed Tree
According to the seed trees method, forest managers leave two to five or more trees in the cut area, spaced apart from each other. This allows the trees in the area to provide seeds for natural reforestation, and in the future, these trees can serve as a habitat for woodpecker birds. This method requires harvesting wood from trees that have a fast growth rate, so the more we cut, the more quickly new growth occurs. Additionally, these trees should be able to withstand future storms.
Group Selections
We use a small-scale version of clear-cutting, where we cut down a forest after 40 to 50 years, with trees cut in groups. The impact of this method depends on the area we clear. For example, we better suit smaller areas for trees that provide shelter, while larger areas benefit trees that thrive in direct sunlight. This method is one of the most expensive ways to harvest wood.
Process of Timber Harvesting
There are many ways to harvest wood, but the most commonly used are three: preparation, timber harvesting operations, and post-harvesting. Let’s take a closer look at the details of these three stages.
Perpations
- There are different ways to cut wood, such as when trees develop issues, and cutting becomes necessary to prevent further problemsSometimes, we cut trees to improve their habitat or surrounding area. Additionally, we may cut trees for financial reasons or other specific issues.
- Even when we are making wooden items, we still need wood. We also require wood to prepare maps, which are important for marking roads, bridges, or clarifying the locations of sensitive areas.s.
- When creating maps for any market or area, we tag many trees that we need. Once we identify them, we adjust them according to the market’s requirements.
- By making such preparations, we can manage resources in a much better way and make the next stages more effective and efficient.
Timber harvesting opertaions
The process of timber harvesting operations begins with the selection of suitable machinery. This helps us achieve our goals quickly and minimizes environmental damage. When cutting wood, different types of equipment are used, and machines are also employed to transport the cut wood to another location. The choice of machinery is made based on the type of wood being harvested.
This process impacts financial expenses and the environment. Afterward, it is essential to determine the timing of the wood-cutting operations—when and how the wood will be cut to ensure minimal waste or damage. If we consider all these factors, we also inform our team in advance about these details. This way, we can prevent harm to other plants, ensure the safety of workers cutting the wood, and maintain overall care for the environment.
Post-harvesting
After learning about these methods of cutting wood, it is also essential for us to understand the process of eliminating the consequences of production.
- We need to close roads and pathways used for transporting wood to stabilize the land and manage the flow of water.
- Cleaning the camps, clearing storage areas and stone extraction sites, and, if needed, restoring plants can also be done.
- After all of this, it is important to check the cutting and the overall condition of the forest. These matters are typically handled and completed by the forest owner or the manager.