A review of challenges and future pathways for decision making with treeshelters – A German and European perspective. Issue 3 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Graf, Yannic; Hein, Sebastian; Schnabl, Anton Sebastian
• Is Part Of: Journal of forest research. Volume 27:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 191
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Treeshelter -- market analysis -- circular economy act -- forest act -- proper and sustainable forest management; Forests and forestry -- Periodicals; Forests and forestry -- Japan -- Periodicals; 634.905
• DOI: 10.1080/13416979.2022.2029281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1341-6979

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Since the invention of treeshelters in Europe during the late 1970s new views on them have emerged. We identify critical challenges and propose new pathways towards a 'plastic-reduction strategy in forestry' by analysing available products on the European market, by raising questions on legal aspects at the end of their service life and by considering case studies of German plantations, calculating their costs with respect to subsidies. We point to new tools for complex decision-making with treeshelters and fencing as two selected protective measures. Our findings show that on the European market, there are 161 different types of treeshelters available. There are five groups of material types ranging from polypropylene and compostable plastics to shelters made from wood, paper or jute. As for most material types, there is not certification for biodegradation under outdoor temperate forest conditions. However, a recent survey from Germany reveals that collecting activities are insufficient and not in line with the laws for forestry, nature protection or the circular economy. An analysis of state subsidies for treeshelters show that in Germany oak plantations up to 85% of the total costs are subsidised. Moreover, the costs of removal have been integrated insufficiently and there are no provisions that force forest owners to remove materials after they have been used. A comprehensive strategy for European forestry should also consider innovation of new treeshelters that are made from fully bio-based material, are fully biodegradable under forest conditions, function as classical shelters and show better performance in life-cycle assessments.