The tree trucks that go through the forest and accomplish many different tasks are invaluable to the woodlands industry. One of the important tasks they handle is the cutting down or clearing of trees, which can be accomplished in many ways; one of the most spoken-about current methods is called clearcutting.

There are many controversies surrounding clearcutting, which refers to a practice directed towards the felling and removing of all trees at a particular location or site. Many experts say that this activity can ruin the ecological integrity of the woods and destroy natural habitats. Some environmentalists view clear cutting this way because they believe that an intact and healthy forest has a huge role in supporting the diversified life forms that thrive in this timberland.

There are others who feel that this belief is somewhat outdated. Modern tree management programs incorporate clearcutting as an ecologically acceptable method because it has a direct positive impact on the environment.

Advantages of Clearcutting

• Promotes Growth - Uniform cutting of trees promotes rapid growth of species that are shade intolerant and require abundant sunlight.

• Pest Control - Clear felling is effective in hindering the spread of pests to other healthy forest areas. It also enhances seed beds and improves land cultivation.

• Natural Regeneration – Promotes the natural regeneration of species.

• New Food/Shelter Source - Enhances the growth of herbaceous vegetation that provides food and shelter for many birds and small animals.

• Increases New and Good Trees – Prevents the bog down of certain beneficial trees and prevents opportunistic and harmful ones from growing. This also promotes new growth.

Environmentalist say that clearcutting can destroy nature; however, forestry professionals say that if properly done it can be more beneficial to wildlife habitat. On the other hand, clearcutting is also advantageous to the forest industry because it fosters healthy trees that become sustainable sources of lumber and increase yields per acre at a lower-than-average cost.

Sustainable Timberlands Management

Currently, clearcutting is one of the logging operations used for forestry management. As part of the sustainable environmental principle, this silvicultural system promotes the preservation and maintenance of diverse biological interaction between plants and animals while conserving soil and water. Timber harvesting frequently leads to natural regeneration and the rejuvenation of the forest ecosystem. Silvicultural clear cutting is based on scientific research that believes that to harvest and regenerate the woods is to improve the quality of future stumpage, develop productive growth, strong genetics, and good plant species.

Promotes Wildlife Habitat

Clearcutting will rearrange the wildlife existence based on their ages. A new clearcut timberland area is an excellent place for bears, grouses, quails and turkeys to thrive. On the other hand, fisheries are not affected by this silvicultural system if the buffer zone, soil and water conservation is enforced.

Clearcutting is a common silvicultural method used in the national woodlands to cut and grow new trees. Many environmentalists are opposed to this kind of woodlands management; on the other hand, forest professionals argue that this is the best method of regenerating trees. In clearcutting, new even-aged stumpage trees will grow naturally.

Tree trucks that carry out the work in the forest provide a great service to those who are tasked with the felling of these tall, woody perennial plants, no matter what method is used. Clearcutting, as one of those methods, is not the exact opposite of sustainable timberlands management. Taking many things into consideration, it is believed that clearcutting can renew and rejuvenate forests and cater to the needs of diversified wildlife inhabitants!