By Scout Nelson
Forests thrive when they include a variety of tree types, ages, and canopy openings. This combination is called structural diversity, and it supports both forest health and wildlife.
Structural diversity means that a forest contains trees of different species, like conifers and hardwoods, as well as a mix of young, mature, and old trees. It also means having different sizes of open spaces where sunlight reaches the ground. These features help forests grow better, resist climate stress, and offer more food and shelter for animals.
There are two main forest management methods to create this diversity:
Uneven-aged management keeps many tree age groups in one area.
- Single tree selection removes individual trees, creating small gaps for shade-loving trees.
- Group selection removes small clusters of trees, making larger openings that support light-loving plants and animals.
Even-aged management creates new forests all at once.
- Seed tree harvests leave a few mature trees to provide seeds.
- Shelterwood harvests gradually remove trees so young ones grow in the light.
Forests with structural diversity also support soil health. They allow beneficial fungi and microorganisms to grow, which helps tree roots absorb nutrients better.
Wildlife also benefits from these forests. Canopy gaps promote flowering plants and berries, which attract pollinators. Cavity trees and deadwood offer homes to birds and insects. A mix of trees provides shelter in both summer and winter.
To manage your land for diversity, talk to a local forester. Together, you can protect not only your woodland but also the larger forest landscape.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
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