Indicator forest and wood

Deadwood

Deadwood refers to dead trees or tree parts that are standing or lying. Deadwood is a very important component of the forest ecosystem because it promotes biodiversity. In addition, deadwood can protect against rockfalls or serve as a seed bed for tree seed.

Assessment of the state

medium

Assessment of the trend

positive

Volume by producing region
State of deadwood

Deadwood volume in m3/ha (including both standing and lying). Deadwood according to the NFI: lying and standing dead trees and bushes. Evaluation unit: accessible forest without brushwood according to the NFI period with variation in the terrestrial network. In the NFI1, only dead trees with valuable wood were included. In addition, lying green trees are included in the NFI1 for deadwood.

Standing and lying deadwood volume in the producing regions in m3/ha. Deadwood according to the NFI: lying and standing dead trees. Evaluation unit: accessible forest without brushwood. Survey period: NFI4b (2009/13). Network: NFI4 terrestrial network.

Database

International comparison

For international comparisons, the corresponding threshold values for forest surveys must be taken into consideration. Based on the data from the State of Europe’s Forests, Switzerland is one of the countries that is rich in deadwood (volume per hectare of forest).

Method

The data on deadwood are provided by aerial images, the continuous sample survey carried out in forests and subsequent modelling.

Basis for assessment of the trend