secondgrowth

Second-growth, in forestry, refers to forests that have regrown after significant disturbance that removed the previous mature stand, such as logging, wildfire, insect outbreaks, or land clearance. Unlike old-growth or primary forests, second-growth forests have established mainly after a disturbance event and tend to have a more even age structure and a higher proportion of early-successional species in the initial stages. They arise through natural regeneration, often aided by seed sources, or from planted seedlings and saplings.

Second-growth forests undergo secondary succession, with species typically selected by site conditions, disturbance intensity, and management practices. Over time, stand structure can evolve toward complex, multi-layered canopies, but this depends on disturbance history and management. Characteristics often include faster tree growth rates early on, a younger average age, and different species composition compared to old-growth stands, with implications for biodiversity, carbon storage, and timber value.

In some regions, second-growth forests cover large areas and play a major role in timber production and ecosystem services. Management may aim to balance harvests with conservation, maintain structural diversity, and promote habitat features such as snags and downed logs. The term can also apply to agricultural or urban contexts where land is allowed to regrow after cultivation or use.

Distinctions between second-growth and old-growth are not fixed; in practice, classifications depend on historical disturbance, species, and regional definitions. Understanding second-growth is important for forest policy, restoration planning, and biodiversity assessments, as these forests transition through recovery stages and contribute to landscape resilience.