10 March 2025
Teagasc supporting forest owners affected by storm damage
Irish forest owners are facing a major challenge following the recent storms, but Teagasc is here to help and committed to supporting owners throughout the recovery process, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome for their forests. John Casey tells us more about the resources available.
Since the recent storms hit, Teagasc Forestry Advisors have been working closely with affected owners, providing direct support through one-on-one clinics, consultations in local offices, phone engagements, and collaborative events. A dedicated section on the Teagasc website offers expert advice on managing storm damage, including links to DAFM guidance.
Teagasc is actively assisting forest owners by offering guidance and reassurance on storm damage recovery, with updates on licensing and supports arising from the Windblow Task Force. Advisors are also providing technical support, including help with viewing satellite imagery of storm damage in their forest and DAFM’s online Felling Decision Tool, both of which can aid in assessing damage and planning recovery strategies. On-site timber recovery-focused events are now being organised by Teagasc to help owners make informed decisions about their forests with details to be announced in the next few days.
One of the most valuable resources available to forest owners is this Felling Decision Tool, which is designed to help assess the best course of action for managing damaged forests. This tool provides key financial insights, helping owners estimate timber revenues over a forest cycle and weigh the potential costs and benefits of early felling versus retaining their trees for a longer period. By entering details such as tree species, productivity (Yield Class), rotation type, and management approach, owners can generate an estimated net clearfell revenue per hectare.
From the example and assumed inputs in Table 1, if a forest is felled at age 27, the estimated net clearfell revenue per hectare is €13,079, while delaying felling until age 32 could increase the estimated revenue to €19,983 per hectare (ha). This tool helps forest owners make more informed financial decisions, particularly when dealing with storm-damaged timber. It is important to note that revenue values are estimates based on average prices and may vary depending on factors such as timber quality, site access, and transport costs. This tool can also model a premature clearfell due to storm damage e.g. at age 22.
| Age | Top Height (m) | Net Thin Revenue Pre Clearfell (€/ha) | Net Clearfell Revenue (€/ha) | Loss / Gain (€/ha) | % Value Increase | Average Tree (m3) | Net Clearfell Volume (m3/ha) | Discounted Revenue (€/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 14.3 | €0 | €4,059 | -€15,924 | 0.180 | 183 | €1,580 | |
| 23 | 15.0 | €805 | €4,775 | -€15,208 | 17.6% | 0.210 | 205 | €1,747 |
| 24 | 15.7 | €0 | €6,320 | -€13,663 | 32.4% | 0.270 | 179 | €2,414 |
| 25 | 16.4 | €0 | €8,766 | -€11,217 | 38.7% | 0.300 | 201 | €3,043 |
| 26 | 17.1 | €0 | €11,261 | -€8,722 | 28.5% | 0.340 | 223 | €3,622 |
| 27 | 17.8 | €1,578 | €13,079 | -€6,904 | 16.1% | 0.380 | 246 | €3,958 |
| 28 | 18.5 | €0 | €13,167 | -€6,816 | 0.7% | 0.470 | 220 | €4,236 |
| 29 | 19.2 | €0 | €15,065 | -€4,918 | 14.4% | 0.530 | 242 | €4,537 |
| 30 | 19.8 | €0 | €16,591 | -€3,392 | 10.1% | 0.580 | 265 | €4,716 |
| 31 | 20.5 | €0 | €18,110 | -€1,873 | 9.2% | 0.640 | 287 | €4,868 |
| 32 | 21.1 | €0 | €19,983 | €0 | 10.3% | 0.690 | 310 | €5,071 |
| 33 | 21.8 | €0 | €22,346 | €2,363 | 11.8% | 0.750 | 333 | €5,344 |
| 34 | 22.4 | €0 | €24,103 | €4,120 | 7.9% | 0.810 | 356 | €5,465 |
| 35 | 23.0 | €0 | €25,802 | €5,819 | 7% | 0.870 | 378 | €5,555 |
| 36 | 23.6 | €0 | €27,976 | €7,993 | 8.4% | 0.930 | 400 | €5,708 |
| 37 | 24.2 | €0 | €30,392 | €10,409 | 8.6% | 0.990 | 423 | €5,875 |
Table 1: Outputs from the DAFM Felling Decision Tool for 1 ha Sitka spruce, Yield Class 24
Teagasc is dedicated to ensuring that forest owners receive the information and support they need to navigate this challenging time and encourage forest owners to contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor for advice on storm damage recovery and forest management. Your forest is a valuable asset, and we are here to support you in protecting and maximizing its potential.