How close should trees stand? New SUPERB study on planting density in forest restoration
A new study from the SUPERB project, published in Restoration Ecology, shows that planting density strongly influences forest restoration outcomes – but the effects are complex and context-dependent.
After reviewing 120 studies from temperate and boreal forests, researchers found that higher planting densities tend to boost overall stand yield and carbon storage, especially in early stages. However, it also leads to increased tree mortality and reduced growth of individual trees. The timing and intensity of these opposing effects depend on various factors, such as plantation age and climate type, which creates opportunities for optimized management strategies.
Over time, thinning becomes essential in longer-term plantations to maintain tree growth and quality. Where data is limited, moderate densities may offer a balanced approach.
The study also calls for more localized research on tree health and biomass to help tailor restoration strategies to specific environments.
Read the full study here
Reference: Klaus Kremer, Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson, Mayra F. Tavares, Jürgen Bauhus
Photo: Marek Piwnicki / Pexels
