Sustainable wood harvesting: This is how our forest in Neunkirchen regenerates!

Sustainable wood harvesting: This is how our forest in Neunkirchen regenerates!

On a gray afternoon in November 2025, the curtain rises on an interesting story from the forests of Germany. Timber harvesting is not only a professional area for many foresters, but also a central aspect of sustainable forest management. How n-land.de reports, selective tree harvesting plays a crucial role in maintaining and stabilizing our forests.

Konrad Schwemmer, a forest owner from Neunkirchen am Sand, is a prime example of a committed forester. He emphasizes that regular timber harvests are essential for a healthy forest. Back in August 2008, the Holz Reiter company harvested around 1,000 cubic meters of wood from an area of ​​around 6 hectares. This wood harvest was carried out using a state-of-the-art harvester. Interestingly, the forest recovered quickly after this measure, without any additional intervention. The increase was an astonishing 10 cubic meters per hectare per year - which makes Schwemmer's area around 60 cubic meters per year.

The path to regeneration

Since 2008, the forest in Schwemmer's possession has grown by a total of around 1,000 cubic meters. This positive development was underpinned by a further timber harvest of around 650 cubic meters in February 2025. After each removal, Schwemmer noticed that the brightness and space provided allowed the forest to regenerate itself and thus ensure new growth. “I recommend that all forest owners have their forests regularly thinned,” explains Schwemmer. This not only ensures sustainability, but also the growth of young trees, which is crucial for future generations.

But how do you make the right choice when harvesting trees? Loud forstbw.de Foresters specifically select trees of the future in the young and middle-aged stands. They make sure that these trees remain standing in the long term and can grow large. It is important that the selection is based on health, quality and a balanced mix of tree species. If trees are too close to the future trees, they are removed to avoid damaging effects and impaired growth.

A careful process

Timber harvesting occurs gradually and not abruptly. This ensures that valuable habitat structures are preserved and the offspring of the trees are protected. Taking this into account, it becomes clear that there are often new generations among the crops ready to fill the gaps as soon as enough light reaches the forest floor. This careful method ensures the continuation of forest life in a harmonious, self-regulating cycle.

Konrad Schwemmer has not only had positive experiences with the Holz Reiter company for decades, but also reminds us how important it is to treat forests responsibly. After all, they are not only a resource, but also a place to live and relax for all of us. A good hand at harvesting wood is an investment in the future of our forests and therefore in the quality of life for all of us.