To ensure that young trees become stable and climate-resilient forests, foresters intervene early in the tree's life cycle: For the most vital trees, surrounding trees are removed so that the remaining trees have enough light and space to grow. In addition, tree species that are suitable for their location, climate-stable or rare and inferior in growth are supported. "In this way, the widest possible range of tree species is promoted - a crucial step in spreading the risk and arming the forest against pests, drought and storms.
Maintaining young stands for an intact and stable forest
In Gerlingen's municipal forest, spruce in particular shows how important this change is. Planted on a large scale in pure stands just a few decades ago, it now suffers particularly from a lack of water and drought stress. If it is weakened, the bark beetle has an easy time of it - with fatal consequences. Mixed forests, on the other hand, offer more security: if one tree species fails, others can take over its functions and fill the resulting gaps.
The maintenance of young stands is therefore much more than a technical measure of forest management: it is an investment in future generations and therefore in the future. Because what is maintained, protected and built up in the forest today determines what the forest will look like in 50 or 100 years - and whether it will be able to fulfill its many tasks: as a habitat for animals and plants, as a climate protector, wood supplier and place of recreation for people.
An intact, stable forest is more important than ever. By maintaining young stands in the Gerlingen municipal forest, the foundations are being laid today to ensure that future generations can also experience a diverse and healthy forest.
