SFE “Forests of Ukraine” achieved 117% of its Plan for forest-crop tending and natural regeneration

In spring, the foresters’ primary task is planting the forest, while summer is the season for tending young trees.

Since the launch of the President’s “Green Country” programme, the area under forest planting has increased and, accordingly, so has the number of tending operations. It should be noted that approximately 100,000 ha of non-closed forest stands require maintenance, as such tending is essential to create favourable growing conditions and to timely reclassify these plots as lands covered by forest vegetation.

Currently, agrotechnical works are underway on these plots. We are removing herbaceous and shrub vegetation that impedes the growth and development of plants. Its proliferation was especially promoted by the rainy weather in most regions at the end of spring and in June. In areas with less rainfall (the east and the south), we are loosening the soil around the plants—this allows more moisture to reach the trees’ root systems.

Depending on weather conditions and the level of weed infestation, such measures are planned on average 3–4 times per year.

In the first half of 2025, forest-crop tending and natural regeneration works were carried out on 50,500 ha of the enterprise’s forest estate, amounting to 117 % of the planned volume.

What are the main trends in forest-crop tending operations?

– The share of mechanized tending operations is rising, now accounting for 90 % of all work.

– Specialized equipment that does not damage young trees is employed, boosting productivity and efficiency, especially over large areas.

– Thanks to increased mechanization, the cost of operations is falling.

– Timely forest-crop tending enhances seedling survival rates

This year’s investment plan of SFE “Forests of Ukraine” provides for the procurement of 156 units of soil‐cultivation equipment for forest‐crop tending.