What is the method of tree harvesting that involves removing all or almost all of the trees within an area?

The method of tree harvesting that involves removing all or almost all of the trees within a designated area is known as clear-cutting. This approach allows for the complete removal of trees, often resulting in a uniform regeneration of new growth, which can be beneficial for certain forest management objectives. Clear-cutting can facilitate access for machinery and reduce competition for sunlight and nutrients for young trees, fostering their growth.

While selective cutting focuses on removing specific trees while preserving the overall structure of the forest, seed-tree cutting involves leaving a few mature trees to provide seeds for natural regeneration. Thinning, on the other hand, is a management practice aimed at reducing tree density in an area to improve growth among the remaining trees rather than removing entire stands. Clear-cutting, therefore, is distinctive in its approach and impacts on the landscape and ecosystem.