The forest owner generally has five years in which to plant or sow a clearcut area. Recommendations for artificial reforestation, compiled by the Forestry Centres, detail the best provenances, the distance seed may be moved, and the most appropriate genetic material for specific areas. However, the forest owner is free to choose the regeneration material. Naturally regenerated sites are assessed by the Forestry Boards after a reasonable period of time. The allowable time period varies depending on the geographic location of the site.
Natural regeneration takes longer in northern Finland.
In 1993, 4.7 million ha of forest land were planted or seeded. The section also states that natural regeneration is a preferred reforestation technique. Afforestation is also encouraged. Baden-Wurttemberg Section 15 of the Forest Law requires reforestation of all clearcut areas within 3 years of harvesting. Successful regeneration must be guaranteed within 5 years.