Gefällte

Gefällte (singular: Gefälltes) is a German term used primarily in forestry and timber industries to denote trees that have been felled, i.e., cut down and prepared for further processing. The word derives from the verb fällen, meaning “to fell” or “to cut down,” with the prefix ge‑ indicating the completed action. In practice, gefällte refer to the entire standing tree after the trunk has been severed from its roots, but before it has been transported, delimbing, or sawed into lumber.

The classification of gefällte is an important step in forest management, as it determines subsequent handling, transport logistics, and market valuation. Different species, sizes, and quality grades are recorded in forestry inventories, and the term is often accompanied by descriptors such as “gespaltene Gefällte” (split felled trees) or “ungetrocknete Gefällte” (green felled trees). Regulations in many German-speaking regions require documentation of gefällte to ensure sustainable harvesting, prevent illegal logging, and assess the ecological impact of timber extraction.

In timber processing, the status of a tree as a gefällte influences the choice of equipment; for example, timber harvesters equipped with forwarders or skidders are used to relocate the felled material. After removal from the forest floor, gefällte are typically taken to a landing or sawmill where they undergo debarking, sorting, and sawing into boards, planks, or other wood products.