Harvennuksin

Harvennuksin is a Finnish term used to describe the act of thinning in forestry and horticulture. It denotes performing thinning operations in a stand by removing selected trees to reduce density and competition. The term appears in field notes, management plans, and technical guidelines as a description of a thinning event.

The main aim is to improve growth and health of the remaining trees. By lowering competition for light, water, and nutrients, residual trees can grow faster in diameter and height, improve stem form and wood quality, and accelerate stand development. Thinning also helps manage risks from pests, disease, and wind damage.

Common thinning approaches include thinning from below, which removes smaller or suppressed trees; thinning from above, which reduces competitors among the larger trees to release others; and selection thinning, which targets high-quality individuals across diameter classes. Subtypes such as crown thinning or liberation thinning are used to favor canopy development or advance release of desired trees.

Implementation involves planning and monitoring. Foresters assess stand density using basal area and diameter distribution, mark trees to remove, and perform the cut with proper equipment. Timing depends on species, site, and growth stage and is tied to rotation planning. Effects on biodiversity, soil structure, and carbon balance are considered in sustainable management.