Densely planted, even-age, genetically similar monocultures reduce the diversity and number of plant species in tree canopies, the forest understory, and ground cover. As a result, the diversity of food plants available for wildlife dwindles. The decaying logs that provide den sites and habitat for snakes, salamanders, and other species are removed from the forest floor. Fire, the enemy of commercial foresters, is often suppressed, although prescribed burning is carried out in some commercial forests to prevent the accumulation of undergrowth that could cause catastrophic wildfires. Many Florida species depend on periodic natural fires, which perpetuate the growth of certain native plants and cycles of plant growth.
Natural forests preserve the soils on which the entire native forest ecosystem is based.
The heavy equipment used in clear-cutting damages soil structure. As total forest acreage continues to decline, so does the capacity of these areas to protect against erosion, clean water and air, and moderate climatic extremes. Tree roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion. Studies show that one acre of trees can clean 16 tons of dust and smoke particles from the air each year. One large tree produces cooling effects equal to ten room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day, and cuts noise 40 percent.