Database

Consider safety when leaving saplings

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Forest	Living environment	Clear-cutting

In order to maintain biodiversity and ensure ecological coherence, forest management shall maintain the structural elements of habitats (e.g. trees from the previous felling period, old-growth trees and stumps, flatwoods, hardwoods, hollow trees, trees with burn marks, shrub species and species of trees that are not very common in the forest), also taking into account their potential impact on forest health, timber quality, ecosystem condition and human safety.

Description of the action

When leaving saplings, take into account occupational safety and the safety of subsequent movements in the wild and the safety of neighbouring areas (tracks, roads, drainage ditches, buildings), as well as reforestation. Trees can be thinned to form additional thickets, especially near roads, paths and buildings.

Why?

Perennial trees provide habitats for many species and help to improve the landscape. Hazardous trees (e.g. leaning, drooping or branching trees) should not be left as coppice. Similarly, silvicultural trees should not be left closer than the height of the tree to power lines, roads or buildings, otherwise they could be damaged if they fall. If the felling line is narrow, it is advisable to truncate the saplings to reduce the risk to neighbouring areas.

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