After clear-cutting, the area is generally reseeded, either with a single type of tree or with a combination of trees. Clear-cutting, however, produces large scarred areas, and in so doing, reduces the use of the area for recreation and fragments wildlife habitats. If clear-cutting reduces biodiversity, it leaves the area susceptible to invasion of destructive organisms. Finally, clear-cutting leads to soil erosion, sediment pollution of surface waters and flooding . Selective cutting involves the removal of intermediate-aged or mature trees, cut singly or in small groups, creating only small gaps in the forest.
Selective cutting is used to reduce crowding and to encourage the growth of smaller trees.
It maintains a diverse stand of trees, and does not severely exacerbate soil erosion. Many industry and government foresters maintain that selective cutting is not profitable, and does not promote the growth of the most sought-after trees. However, other private and government foresters have demonstrated that satisfactory profits can be attained through selective cutting.