2016

Taking care of young stands after the end of reforestation works

The spring reforestation stage is concluded; more than 21 million high-quality trees have been planted in almost 8000 ha of state forests. However, it does not mean that forest works are over. For the new forest to grow beautiful and strong, agrotechnical maintenance works are carried out in the territories managed by JSC „Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM). At the beginning of July, the tending of young forest stands is resumed.

Dace Ozola, LVM Head of Forest Regeneration and Tending, tells that 57% of trees planted in spring were pines, 37% - spruces, but in the rest of the area – birch and other kinds of trees. The remaining works will be continued in autumn.

Lumbering in forests does not end with the spring season reforestation works. In order to maintain the new forest beautiful and resistant against wind, snow, and ice, it must be taken care of by providing as favourable growing conditions as possible. Every stage of lumbering has its own purpose.

Shortly after planting,  agrotechnical works take place to clear the new plants from shading and root competition, letting the tree grow freely. “This year, in such a way we plan to take care of 23.3 thousand hectares, mostly artificially restored areas that are less than four years old,” says Dace Ozola. Pine and birch plantings are a great value. These kinds of trees are sensitive towards shading, they need the sun.

 “Agrotechnical work is done by the necessity in a particular area. If the summer is hot and dry, and the gross coverage (shading) forms slowly, these works are not necessary but if the summer is rainy and warm or even hot, the areas where agrotechnical works are needed will increase. We are ready for such situation,” says Dace Ozola.

In July, intensive works in young stands that were stopped in spring due to bird nesting season are resumed. In spring and summer period, works in young growths are not done in micro reserves made in order to protect birds, and their buffer zones, specially protected natural areas, water and marsh protection zones.

There are several reasons, why it is important to take care of young stands. Firstly, to make a suitable stand composition for growing conditions and to improve tree growth conditions by creating healthy, sustainable, regular growths that let trees grow faster and healthier. Secondly, to reduce snow and wind damage risks, maintaining and forming the variety of species, visual quality and cultural and historical heritage, reducing future costs of managing forests.

In these works a bush cutter and a power saw are used. The volume depends on the weather conditions: if the summer is rainy, the young stands need to be cleared twice a year.

LVM experts remind forest guests to be careful in young growths, where a significant raspberry harvest can be found and move carefully in furrows not to poach the new plant.