Selection cutting takes place on a regular basis, allowing for the continual harvesting of a stand in which the entire canopy is never removed. Regeneration is encouraged, superior trees are left for seed and different age classes are developed, maintained and harvested.

Two selection cutting methods are practiced in Nova Scotia, both separately and in combination:

Single Tree Selection
The single tree selection method involves judging and choosing to harvest each tree on an individual basis. Only small openings are created, providing significant shade which favours shade-tolerant species.

Group Selection
The group selection method involves choosing to harvest a group of trees rather than single trees. Larger openings are created, favouring species that are not shade-tolerant.

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