UPM has newly adopted the target of doubling the amount of broadleaved trees growing in company-owned forests in Finland. In the light of current research data, increasing the proportion of broadleaved trees improves the forest’s growth and yield as well as its species diversity and resistance to climate change. UPM plans to increase the proportion of broadleaved trees to one fifth of all tree species growing in habitats that are suitable for birch. The dominant tree species growing in Finnish forests are typically pine and spruce.
New work instructions will be issued for clearing and thinning to increase the proportion of broadleaved trees in suitable growth areas. The new instructions will take effect this year. The new policy will also directly affect UPM nursery in Joroinen, Finland. «We are committed to increasing our capacity for birch seedlings» says Anne Immonen, Manager, UPM Nursery.