What is the technique that involves selectively removing smaller or poorly formed trees to promote growth?

The technique of selectively removing smaller or poorly formed trees to promote growth is known as thinning. Thinning is a forest management practice aimed at improving the health and vitality of a forest by reducing competition among trees. This involves selectively cutting down trees that are overcrowded or of inferior quality, allowing the remaining trees to access more light, water, and nutrients. As a result, the trees that remain grow stronger, healthier, and more resilient, which can enhance the overall quality of the forest and improve its ecological value.

In contrast, salvage cutting refers to the removal of damaged or dead trees, typically following disturbances such as storms or pest infestations, to recover value from the timber. Clear-cutting involves removing all or most trees in an area, which can lead to significant ecological changes and is often less sustainable. Shelterwood cutting is a method that encourages the growth of new trees under the protection of older ones but does not involve the selective removal of smaller or poorly formed trees in the same targeted way that thinning does. Thinning is specifically focused on improving the health of a forest stand by managing tree density and species composition.