The settlers were responsible for large scale felling of birches mainly for clearing for pastures and for fuel. They were however not aware that growing conditions on Iceland were far less favorable than in mainland Scandinavia and the soils far more susceptible to erosion. Today Icelanders are fully aware that Iceland needs to be reforested where possible. Many exotic species have been tested and some are used for forest planting. However, these plantations are still quite small.
Erosion is still a major problem and other plants are used to try to tackle the problem.
In the highlands, the latter seems to be the only specie that can bring some relief. Many desert-like regions T here is not one reason why there are such vast areas of sparsely vegetated areas. These slopes can be quite steep but are completely void of plant life. These are the result of fast frost weathering where freezing water breaks up porous rock material. Yet this is in some regions a major factor.