Clearing entails thinning out the forest stand so that the most suitable trees are allowed the space to grow and development. Of perhaps 10,000 trees on a hectare of forest land, some 2,000 remain after clearing is completed. Properly executed clearing is essential for the economy and future thinning.
During clearing we either leave the cut trunks lying on the ground or remove them for biofuel. A stand may be cleared up to three times before applying the next measure - thinning.
Clearing is a measure which Sveaskog has prioritised for several years, and we generally strive to clear early in newly planted and young forests. However, on land where there is excessive wildlife damage, it is better to delay clearing. Wildlife prefers to graze on trees that have already been grazed on. Consequently, we avoid removing these trees.