a forest with pines, spruces and broad-leaf trees

Tree species in our forests

Our forests are actively and sustainably managed to increase growth, and today we have approximately 277 million cubic meters of forest on our land. Swedish pine is the most common tree species, followed by spruce, deciduous trees, and lodgepole pine.

Thanks to our long-term and careful forest management, we have vital forests that grow well. In fact, we’ve never had as much forest as we do today, which benefits both our operations and the climate. For every harvested tree, we plant at least two new ones.

Trees in northern Sweden grow slowly, producing top-quality raw materials that we use to manufacture pulp, kraftliner, and sawn timber products. Northern wood fibers offer excellent strength properties, making them suitable for products requiring high strength and quality. The wood also has a high proportion of heartwood and small knots, making it ideal for visible wood applications and other wood products with strict quality requirements.

Tree species in SCA's forests

Swedish pine accounts for 39 percent of our land. It is followed by spruce at 37 percent, deciduous trees at 14 percent, and lodgepole pine at 10 percent.

Spruce

Spruce is Sweden's most common tree species and thrives in fertile soils. The wood is light and has high strength, making spruce one of the most important tree species for construction. It is often used for structural timber, panels, glued laminated timber, and furniture. Pulpwood from spruce is used for pulp and kraftliner production.

Pine

Swedish pine is the second most common tree species in Sweden and thrives particularly well in drier and poorer soils. Pinewood is known for its natural heartwood, which makes it resistant to rot. It is often used for decking, windows, and interior panels, and is also an important wood species for furniture and interior design. Pulpwood from pine is used for the production of pulp and kraftliner.

Deciduous trees

Birch is by far the most common deciduous tree in Swedish forests. In northern Sweden, there are also plenty of rowan, aspen, and willow, with the latter two being particularly important for biodiversity. SCA does not produce sawn timber from deciduous trees but uses birch in the production of pulp and kraftliner.

Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) is a Canadian tree species that grows 40 percent faster than Swedish pine when planted on comparable soil. It is considered an exotic tree species. For several years now, SCA has been sawing lodgepole pine timber, and the sawn wood is used for studs, panels, and decking. The timber is also well-suited for production of pulp and kraftliner.

Tree species determine the conservation measures

The best way to protect and enhance nature values depends entirely on the specific nature values and the type of forest involved. In northern Sweden, the main tree species are pine, spruce, and deciduous trees such as birch and aspen. Different tree species require specific measures to develop nature values and support various species.

Pine forests

Many species that thrive in pine forests also require plenty of light and warmth. They often benefit from harvesting, particularly spruce. If no actions are taken, spruce will eventually dominate, leading to the loss of existing nature values. Several species associated with pine forests also benefit from prescribed burning and barking. Pine itself requires soil disturbances to establish effectively.

Spruce forests

Species living in spruce forests generally prefer shade and long forest continuity, meaning forests that have never been clearcut. In other words, they thrive in calm environments without major disturbances or changes. This means that spruce forests with high nature values are often best left for free development. It can also be effective to use selective harvesting methods, where a smaller portion of trees is removed without disrupting the forest atmosphere.

Deciduous forests

Many species associated with deciduous forests require ample light and warmth. Naturae values are often enhanced by harvesting some trees, especially spruce, to prevent the loss of habitats for these species. For deciduous trees to establish successfully, soil disturbances such as burning or site preparation are absolutely essential.