Sachsenforst plants five million trees in the state forest

Sachsenforst plans to plant around five million young trees in Saxony's state forest this year. "The renewal of our forests is of crucial importance in order to ensure the sustainable use of the valuable raw material wood in the future," said Saxony's Forestry Minister Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch (CDU). It is also important to preserve the diverse ecosystem services of the forest for society in the long term. The Free State is investing around 15 million euros in this.

The mild temperatures have already allowed the planting work to progress well in many places, according to the state enterprise. However, the low rainfall is causing concerns - a considerable amount of the work therefore had to be postponed until late summer and fall.

Focus on deciduous trees in particular

According to the report, around 75 percent of the new plantings are deciduous trees, including mainly copper beeches (30 percent), sessile oaks (18 percent) and English oaks (12 percent). Silver fir plays a central role among conifers, especially in the low mountain ranges. In total, planting and forest seeding will be carried out on an area of around 1250 hectares. Natural regeneration will also contribute to the establishment of stable mixed forests.

However, the plantations are facing challenges - primarily due to the limited availability of seed. Dry years and frost events have led to considerable shortages of oak, for example, explained the head of the Sachsenforst forestry operation, Thomas Rother. The demand is high, as forest owners across the country have to reforest damaged areas.

Water, game and growth problems

Sachsenforst operates three of its own tree nurseries and grows around 1.8 million plants there itself. The range is supplemented by private forest tree nurseries. The seed comes from special stocks and is processed in the Flöha seed nursery.

A further important aspect for the growth of the young trees remains the supply of water to the roots, according to Rother. "The winter was far too dry compared to the average of recent years." Game browsing - for example by deer or hares that eat shoots and buds - also poses a serious risk. A forest-compatible game density through targeted hunting is therefore essential to ensure the long-term success of the measures.