Päärihakkuu

Päärihakkuu is a Finnish term referring to a specific type of logging operation. It translates roughly to "main logging" or "primary logging" and is generally understood as the final harvesting of a forest stand. This method is typically employed when a forest has reached its optimal age for timber production or when the owner decides to convert the land for a different use, such as agriculture or construction.

The process of päärihakkuu involves removing most or all of the trees in a designated area. Unlike thinning operations, which selectively remove some trees to improve the growth of the remaining ones, päärihakkuu aims for a complete or near-complete removal of the merchantable timber. The specific intensity of the removal can vary based on forest type, management goals, and economic considerations.

Following a päärihakkuu, the land is usually prepared for regeneration. This can involve natural regeneration from seeds or sprouts, or more commonly, artificial regeneration through planting seedlings or sowing seeds. The timing and method of regeneration are crucial for the future development of the forest and are often part of a long-term forest management plan. Päärihakkuu is a significant event in the lifecycle of a managed forest, marking the end of one rotation and the beginning of the next.