What are some common forest management practices?

The focus on thinning, pruning, and controlled burns in forest management practices highlights methods that are essential for maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Thinning involves selectively removing trees to reduce competition for resources, which helps improve the growth rates and vigor of the remaining trees. Pruning is used to remove dead or unhealthy branches, enhancing tree health and promoting better quality wood products. Controlled burns are utilized as a tool for reducing underbrush and preventing larger, uncontrolled wildfires, as well as promoting new growth by mimicking natural fire cycles.

These practices contribute to forest health, biodiversity, and productivity, making them foundational elements in sustainable forest management. In contrast, other options do not fit as effectively into recognized forest management practices. For example, urban development generally pertains to land use planning rather than forest management. Watering and fertilizing are more associated with agricultural practices, and planting only non-native species can lead to ecological imbalances and is generally not encouraged in forestry, as it may undermine local ecosystems and biodiversity.