In the face of rapid changes and uncertainty, thorough documentation of studies on adaptation options is crucial for better analysis and decision-making in forest adaptation to climate change. RESONATE researchers Julius Willig et al. conducted a risk ratio meta-analysis on tree mortality before and after an extreme drought event with 32 thinning experiments from nine studies in Europe and North America: No increased drought-related mortality after thinning: a meta-analysis | Annals of Forest Science. While thinning did not significantly reduce drought-related mortality, it remains a valuable strategy for enhancing tree and stand resistance to drought stress. The study confirmed that thinning does not increase mortality among dominant trees. The researchers emphasize that further research is needed to understand how factors like site conditions, tree species, stand age, and thinning intensity influence its effects. Beyond drought resistance, thinning also strengthens forests against other disturbances and supports regeneration of more drought-adapted species. These findings highlight the need for continued exploration of thinning as a tool for forest resilience and adaptation.
Reference:
Willig, J., Schwarz, J., Comeau, P. et al. No increased drought-related mortality after thinning: a meta-analysis. Annals of Forest Science 82, 6 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13595-025-01278-7
