Ensiharvennus

Ensiharvennus is the first thinning operation in the silvicultural management of an established, typically even-aged forest stand. Its primary aim is to improve growth and timber quality by reducing competition for light, nutrients, and water. By removing suppressed, damaged, and crowded trees, ensiharvennus reshapes stand structure, accelerates diameter growth of retained trees, and can enhance future harvest yields. It is usually part of an ongoing forest management plan and may be combined with sanitation measures.

Timing and method vary with species, site productivity, and management goals. In Nordic conditions the first thinning is typically performed once the stand has reached a sufficient level of stocking and canopy closure, while still allowing the residual trees to respond positively. Common approaches include thinning from below, removing suppressed and overtopped individuals, or crown thinning to increase light reaching the mid and lower crown layers. The operation is often carried out in one or several passes, depending on stand risk, accessibility, and economic considerations.

Outcomes include faster diameter growth for residual trees, improved form and quality of future logs, better resilience to pests and wind, and potential changes in species composition. Economic returns depend on timber prices, site productivity, and the intensity of thinning. Environmentally, ensiharvennus can contribute to a more heterogeneous stand structure and may promote regeneration under improved light conditions. The practice is guided by sustainable forestry principles and is typically carried out by licensed forestry professionals as part of long-term management planning.