Clear cutting, clear felling (avohakkuu)

Clear cutting or clear felling means the felling of all or nearly all trees in a forest, depending on the guidelines of forestry management. In sustainable forestry, as in Finland, the growth of a new forest must always be ensured after clearcutting. According to PEFC-certification, 5–10 trees are left permanently standing in connection with clear felling. Over 95 percent of Finland’s commercial forests are certified under the Programme for Endorsement of Certification Schemes (PEFC).