Private forest owner willingness to mobilise wood from dense, small-diameter tree stands

Forests are a source of renewable biomass, and their utilisation will play a vital role in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. Small-diameter tree management could contribute to this transition via providing renewable biomass for sustainable uses and fostering tree growth towards long-lifecycle bioproducts. The uti-lisation of small-diameter trees in the EU is still low since new technologies and work models are required to make the operations economically profitable, environmentally sound, and socially attractive. The supply of biomass from small-diameter tree stands is dependent on forest owners with diverse perceptions on their forests and diverse ownership objectives. However, there is scarce research on forest owner perceptions on small -diameter tree management, which encompasses home consumption, self-active work, and commercial forestry services. A survey in four EU countries was designed to identify the main factors affecting the motivation of forest owners to mobilise biomass from small-diameter stands. Factor and clustering analyses were used to identify four forest owner segments: weakly-engaged traders, well-being seekers, self-active profit-seekers, and well-informed service users. The willingness to utilise biomass from small-diameter tree stands and participate in the market was shaped by forest owner knowledge of forestry, economic and socio-cultural motivations, and sensitivity to service offerings. Forest owner preferences for market participation are heterogenous, and thus different policy implementation approaches are needed and proposed.

Automated summary

Forests as a renewable biomass source have a crucial role in achieving a climate-neutral economy. Small-diameter tree management can contribute by providing renewable biomass and encouraging tree growth for long-term bioproducts. However, the adoption of small-diameter tree utilization is limited due to the need for new technologies and work models that are economically profitable, environmentally sustainable, and socially appealing. Forest owner perceptions on small-diameter tree management, including home consumption, self-active work, and commercial forestry services, are understudied. A survey in four EU countries identified four segments of forest owners and factors influencing their motivation to mobilize biomass.