Forested

Forested is an adjective used to describe land or landscapes that are covered by trees to a meaningful extent. In geographic and land-use terms, a site is considered forested when tree canopy cover and tree biomass dominate the vegetation, typically defined by a minimum canopy cover threshold and a minimum land area. Definitions vary by country and international organization, but a canopy cover around 10 percent is commonly cited; many definitions also require a minimum area such as several tenths of a hectare. The term is used to describe natural forests as well as managed or regrowth forests and afforestation projects.

Forested areas provide habitat for a wide range of species and help maintain biodiversity. They regulate climate by sequestering carbon in wood, leaf litter, and soils, influence water cycles, and protect soils from erosion. Forest structure, including canopy height and density, influences microclimates and habitat availability.

Monitoring and research employ remote sensing and field surveys to map forested extent, assess health, and track changes due to natural disturbances or human activity. Data from organizations like FAO and Global Forest Watch support policy, conservation, and planning.

Management of forested lands ranges from strict conservation to sustainable harvesting and reforestation. Practices aim to balance ecological values with economic uses, reduce deforestation, and promote restoration to recover degraded forest cover.

Forested landscapes are dynamic, shaped by natural processes, climate, and human land-use choices, and continue to be central to environmental stewardship and ecosystem services.