The Benefits of Harvesting Trees in a Sustainable Way
November 10, 2021
Imagine living without trees. Knowing how much they provide for us, it is no doubt that such a case is rather impossible, isn’t it? However, no matter how inevitable the need for trees is, we still have to think about preserving them. So, how can we balance these two demands? The answer is by harvesting trees. Harvesting trees is not necessarily harmful if it’s performed in a sustainable way. In fact, it is actually advantageous for both the forest and those who rely on them. Below are the benefits of harvesting trees.
Providing Goods and Materials
Besides supplying fresh air and natural habitat for animals, trees give us many useful products in various sizes and shapes that we require every day. Not to mention that trees can produce industrial raw materials as well. Thus, by all means, as long as it is maintained through a good forest management system, harvesting trees is certainly a good practice.
Decreasing the Risk of Forest Fire
Forest fire is indeed a major threat to the forest. Fortunately, sustainably harvesting trees in the forest can reduce the risk. In this case, it can suppress rapid spread rates from the fire that usually starts from natural causes we can’t prevent or predict, including lightning. Knowing that it can decrease the risk, by harvesting the trees, not only we sustain the forest, but we can also save the lives of biodiversity that depend on them.
Lessening Competition among Trees for Soil Nutrients and Sunlight
The multitude of trees in the forest triggers competition for soil nutrients and sunlight. They also generate and provide easier entry diseases to each other, even the entire forest. The reason is the more trees in the forest, the more shadow it will create. As a result, sunlight and air are unable to reach the forest ground. Since trees can only grow by photosynthesis, this is where the competition begins. So, by harvesting the trees sustainably, this competition for soil nutrients and sunlight among trees can be reduced. Consequently, it also creates a chance for more new growth in the forest.
Promoting the Forest’s Good Health
In addition to the previous point, harvesting trees in a sustainable way can help eradicate the diseased and dead trees from the forest. So, the remaining healthy trees and seedlings are not damaged, and the forest will remain healthy. Furthermore, according to the research on forestry & natural resources by Purdue University, when done based on sound forest management principles, harvesting timber can improve the health and productivity of the forest. However, care must be taken during logging to protect the remaining trees from damage caused by falling trees and heavy equipment. Well-trained, conscientious loggers and good timber sale contracts can minimize such damage.
Knowing these benefits of harvesting trees, it can be concluded that managed forests will lead to healthier forests. Accordingly, as an industry that extremely relies on natural resources, Kayu Lapis Indonesia (KLI) also pays special attention to natural conservation. This has been the underlying principle of KLI’s daily operations and strategic actions for decades, implementing the best management practice to produce high quality and environmentally-friendly wood products.