When trees are crowded together, they are in greater competition for sunlight, nutrients and water. As a result, they tend to be less healthy and to grow less vigorously. To improve the health and productivity of the forest, forest managers may thin the forest or remove a portion of the trees -- usually low quality trees that are competing with healthier trees for sunlight, water and nutrients. Thinning allows the remaining trees to grow faster and stronger and improves the growth of the forest’s understory by increasing the amount of sunlight that reaches the forest floor. This understory growth provides more food and cover for animals such as deer, quail and rabbits.

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