WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Field plots and lidar across a space-for-time chronosequence spanning more than 60 years compared planted woods with naturally colonized patches near mature forests. On average, planted patches had 8.56 m² per hectare more tree basal area and 2.1 m taller canopies. Naturally colonized patches had more open canopies (about 19% on average) and older stands developed tree-community composition more like adjacent mature forest.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
The choice between planting and assisted natural recovery should follow the ecological objective. Faster woody biomass may support timber and some carbon aims; heterogeneous open canopies and natural succession can support different habitats and development paths. Counting stems planted is an activity metric, not a complete measure of forest restoration.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
The study infers time trajectories from different-aged sites rather than following the same plots for 60 years. It directly measures structure and trees; wider biodiversity advantages are suggested, not comprehensively demonstrated. Results may differ where seed sources, land-use legacies or invasive plants differ.
SOURCE
Journal of Applied Ecology · temperate forest chronosequence
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