Look at the following pictures and think about things
that must be considered Pre Harvesting of Trees and
Post Harvesting of Trees.
 Areas that are ecologically sensitive and could not
recover from harvesting (unsustainable) should not be
logged.
One
 Type and age of the tree (is the sustainability of the
species threatened?)
2
 Slope of land (will the removal of trees cause the soil
to erode and pollute waterways?)
3
 Type of soil (will the soil have enough nutrients to
support re-growth?) not possible in rain forests
4
 Climate (is there appropriate amounts of rain and
temperatures ranges for the forest to re-grow) (is there
a change in the amount of light)
5
 Wildlife (are there any
endangered or threatened
species? Is the wildlife
sustainable?)
6
 Surroundings (Location) (will it affect nearby
ecosystems such as streams and ponds? Does it
fragment a larger ecosystem?
Post Harvest…
1, 2
 Mechanical Preparation – clear away the logging
debris (duff and slash) with equipment
 Slash burning – Removes debris by burning. This is
low in cost and good for steep slopes.
3, 4
 Herbicides – Controls weeds with chemicals so trees
don’t compete for resource. May harm wildlife and
remove cover.
 Planting – Replant with genetically improved
seedlings. (most Pa forests will re-seed themselves)
5,6,7
 Thinning – remove overcrowded and poorly growing
trees
 Fertilize – Adds nutrients to the soil (usually not
necessary)
 Protection – Protect from fire, disease, and insect
pests. This is continuous.