päätehakkuuja

Päätehakkuu is a forestry operation in which most or all trees in a stand are removed to prepare for regeneration and to restart the rotation of the forest. It is typically carried out at or near the rotation age of the stand and is a common component of even-aged forest management. The aim is to create favorable conditions for regeneration, which can occur through natural seeding or planting, often combined with site preparation.

The operation may utilize several methods, including clear-cutting, seed-tree, or shelterwood approaches. The choice depends on regeneration goals, site conditions, and ecological considerations. Clear-cutting is frequently used where rapid and uniform regeneration is desired, while seed-tree or shelterwood methods may be chosen to protect young stands or to support certain habitat requirements.

Environmental effects of päätehakkuu include disturbance of soil and microclimate, increased light levels, and changes to habitat structure. There is a risk of erosion on sloped sites, so measures such as buffer strips, soil protection, and timely reforestation are important. Päätehakkuu is planned within broader forest management and rotation planning, and is subject to regulations aimed at water protection, biodiversity, and climate considerations.

In Nordic countries, including Finland, this operation is a standard component of sustainable forestry, balancing timber production with regeneration and site care. Practitioners and authorities emphasize careful planning, monitoring of regeneration success, and adapting practices to ecological conditions.

Note: the standard Finnish plural form is päätehakkuut; päätehakkuuja may appear in some texts but is not the normative form.