What is the term for the process of cutting down all the trees in a stand?

The term for the process of cutting down all the trees in a stand is clear cutting. This method involves the complete removal of all trees within a designated area, which can greatly impact the ecosystem. Clear cutting is often employed for reasons such as timber production or land conversion to agriculture, but it can also lead to significant environmental changes, including soil erosion, water quality degradation, and loss of habitat for wildlife.

Selective cutting, on the other hand, involves removing only certain trees, which preserves much of the surrounding ecosystem. Shelterwood cutting allows for a gradual establishment of new trees while still harvesting mature trees in a way that maintains shelter for the new growth. Age-based harvesting refers to cutting trees based on their age and maturity rather than clear cutting a whole area. Each of these practices aims to balance timber production with environmental sustainability, but it is clear cutting that involves the total removal of forest cover.