Shrub removal

In Finland, conifers are not only the most common native species of tree, but economically the most important. Once they have been felled, seedlings are planted as part of the regeneration process. However, broad-leaved trees and shrubs can also self-seed in open regeneration areas and restrict, or even supress, the development of the conifer seedlings. This means that shrubs have to be removed to allow space for the conifers to grow. ESA’s Forestry Thematic Exploitation Platform allows shrubs to be mapped so that forest owners can be advised on the best time to manage regeneration areas.