We spare rare broadleaved trees in our wood supply

In Finland, Metsä Group only purchases pine, spruce and birch, as well as aspen with a diameter of less than 40 centimetres. This policy on rare broadleaved trees applies to both standing and delivery sales. Sturdy aspen and other broadleaved trees that are rarely found in forests, such as the great sallow, bird cherry, rowan and alder, will be left in the forest. They are key tree species that support a diverse range of living organisms.

According to Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), pine, spruce and birch account for 97 per cent of the volume of Finnish forests. With all the other tree species accounting for the remaining three per cent, it is important to preserve and increase the volume of rare broadleaved trees – for the sake of forest nature and our adaptation to climate change.

Different trees are favoured by different species. For example, the great willow, which flowers early in the spring, is important to pollinators. The trees that are retained form diverse range of species that remain across rotation periods and contribute to the generation of decaying wood in commercial forests.

According to Luke, species richness improves forests’ ability to remain healthy and thrive in a changing environment. For example, a mix of broadleaved trees has been shown to improve tree growth in spruce-dominated forests.

Metsä Group will not purchase for energy production rarer broadleaved trees felled in connection with young forest management and preliminary clearing.

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