Over the years, scientists have learned more about the complex web of ecological principles at work in the forest, and have found ways to speed up or slow down natural succession. The art and science of controlling the pace of forest establishment, composition, structure, and growth is called silviculture. Foresters are unique as a profession in being able to use silviculture as a tool to shape a forest to help landowners achieve their goals.

When deciding how to manage your forest, carefully assess your goals, your financial, physical, time limitations, the size and condition of your forest, and expected or existing markets. The management you use will depend on the make-up of the forest present on your property and the tree species that you wish to favor. Certain tree species that thrive in full sun to partial shade grow best in even-aged stands, where all the trees are approximately the same age. Species that thrive in full or partial shade can be cultured to grow in uneven-aged stands, where there are trees of three or more age classes. Your forester can help you plan the range of practices, or silvicultural system, best suited for your forest.