Avfelling

Avfelling refers to the removal of trees from a stand where the objective is not a final crop harvest but to improve stand health, structure, or safety. The term is used in forestry in Scandinavian languages and may be translated as sanitation, thinning, or selective removal, depending on context. Avfelling encompasses several practices, including thinning to reduce competition, sanitation felling to remove damaged or diseased trees, and salvage felling after disturbances such as wind, fire, or pest outbreaks.

During avfelling, foresters mark trees that meet criteria for removal and execute felling with chainsaws or machinery, followed by extraction from the stand via skidding, forwarding, or cable yarding. The residual stand is left to regenerate, with spacing and species composition guided by management objectives. Procedures aim to minimize disturbance, protect soil, and maintain safety. Avfelling is often part of broader stand management strategies, including growth optimization and risk reduction.

Environmental considerations include changes in microclimate, soil disturbance, and wildlife habitat. Operational planning seeks to limit soil damage, protect watercourses, and preserve downstream habitats. Decisions about timing, equipment, and access routes influence ecological impact and the pace of regeneration.

Safety and regulation are important aspects of avfelling. Operations require trained personnel, adherence to safety standards, and compliance with local forestry laws and environmental rules. Economic considerations involve costs of extraction and potential value of retained trees, as well as the long-term benefits of improved stand productivity and resilience.

Terminology varies by country and language. In English-language forestry, similar activities are described as thinning, sanitation harvesting, or salvage felling; avfelling is primarily a Scandinavian term whose precise meaning depends on regional practice.