Why fast growing broadleaves? : a study of forest owners´ tree species choice after storm damages in southern Sweden

Abstract: The so called borealization of southern Sweden has resulted in several negative consequences such as a decline of biodiversity, a complete change of the landscape picture with decreased recreational and cultural values and increased risk for damages caused by storm and pests. Climate change is predicted to result in more unsuitable conditions for spruce which increases the risks for damages from storm and pests, with great economic losses for the individual forest owner and the whole society as a consequence. Establishment of broadleaves can contribute to increase biodiversity, the recreational values in the landscape and the resistance to storms in the forests. Fast growing broadleaves are deemed as economic viable alternative to spruce plantations due to their high growth. In Sweden it is mainly hybrid aspen and poplar hybrids that are used and there is potential to increase establishment of these species. After the storm Gudrun in 2005 the Swedish Forest Agency made specific efforts to encourage and influence forest owners to plant other tree species than spruce. There were subsidies available for the re-establishment and many forest owners choose to plant fast growing broadleaves. The majority of the storm damaged sites were nevertheless replanted with spruce again. The aim with this study was to investigate why forest owners choose to plant hybrid aspen and poplar after the storm. Qualitative interviews were conducted with nine forest owners in Halland and Kronoberg counties during April and May 2015. The most important factors for the choice to plant fast growing broadleaves turned out to be the subsidies covering the extra costs for the regeneration, recommendations from forest officers at SFA, a wish to increase the amount of broadleaves on the estate, curiosity to other tree species and a will to spread the risks for the future. The biggest problems with the establishments were browsing damages and plant mortality. The economic expectations on the stands were low and there were uncertainties related to the management of the stands and the future demand for the species. Most of the informants choose to plant small areas with fast growing broadleaves, because they experienced the risk too high. The overall knowledge about the species needs to be improved to facilitate for forest owners to choose fast growing broadleaves, also the accessibility and quality of plant material. In addition it is important to better consider the forest owners´ personal goals and objectives with the forest when planning the forest management.