Which method is commonly used in silviculture for growing trees?

Selective cutting and planting is a widely accepted method in silviculture for growing trees because it promotes sustainable forest management while maintaining biodiversity. This method involves carefully selecting specific trees to be harvested, which allows for the regeneration of the forest through the growth of remaining trees and promotes the health of the overall ecosystem. It maintains a continuous canopy cover which aids in soil preservation and provides habitat for various species.

This approach also often includes replanting native species, enhancing the genetic diversity of the forest and ensuring that the ecosystem remains resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. By promoting a diverse age structure and preserving the ecological balance, selective cutting and planting contribute to long-term forest health and productivity.

Other methods mentioned, such as relying solely on natural regeneration or clearcutting without replanting, could lead to less favorable outcomes by potentially reducing biodiversity or creating unsustainable practices that degrade the forest ecosystem. Using exclusively invasive species would disrupt the ecological balance and harm native flora and fauna. Therefore, selective cutting and planting is the most sustainable and responsible choice in silviculture for forest management.