Thinning Redwood Forests Boost Growth but Threaten Species Diversity
The study looked at using low thinning to restore a young forest at Redwood National Park. They found that thinning the forest improved growth and reduced tree density, but also decreased species diversity. After seven years, the forest had more growth and minimal tree loss, but Douglas-fir trees still dominated the canopy. While low thinning helped, other methods may be better for promoting redwood trees in the forest.