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Abstract
The impact of undergrowth and its pre-clearance methods on the productivity, costs, and
silvicultural result of the winter and summer harvesting of first-thinning Scots pine (Pinus
sylvestris) stands, and as well as the profitability of pre-clearance were analysed. The density
and average height of the Norway spruce (Picea abies) undergrowth were found to have a
significant impact on cutting productivity. Spruce undergrowth density also affected
forwarding productivity. Undergrowth density, height, or pre-clearance method had no effect
on the silvicultural result. The density and average height of the spruce undergrowth, the size
of the trees to be harvested, the roundwood removal, and the costs for harvesting machinery
used affected the calculated pre-clearance limits. The pre-clearance limit refers to the spruce
undergrowth level, above which pre-clearance became economically profitable. Based on the
findings of this study, when the spruce undergrowth density in a marked pine stand exceeds
the pre-clearance limit, the most effective pre-clearance result is achieved when a one-metre
radius is cleared around each merchantable stem together with any other spruce undergrowth
over 1.5–2.0 m high that may hinder cutting.