Key fact: In the case of storm damage, act quickly — damaged timber loses value every week as the risk of bark beetle infestation and blue stain increases. Sanitation felling notifications can be processed on an expedited basis.
Storm Johannes and forests: what you need to know
Storm Johannes (2024) caused extensive damage to Estonian forests: windbreak, uprooting, and snow damage. Many landowners now face the question — what to do with damaged forest?
Action plan after storm damage
| Period | Action | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| 1–7 days | Assess the extent of damage, take photos, notify the Environmental Board | Critical |
| 1–2 weeks | Apply for sanitation felling notification (expedited process) | High |
| 2–4 weeks | Begin clearing damaged timber | High |
| 1–3 months | Sell the timber, plan forest regeneration | Medium |
| 3–12 months | Forest regeneration (planting or natural regeneration) | Normal |
Why is quick action important?
- Bark beetle infestation — storm-damaged spruce attracts bark beetles, which can spread to healthy forest
- Blue stain — fallen pine and spruce timber turns blue in summer, reducing value by up to 50%
- Decay — the longer the timber lies on the ground, the more value is lost
- Access — clearing is easier and cheaper with frozen ground (in winter)
Value of damaged timber
| Timber condition | Value vs sound timber | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh windbreak (up to 2 months) | 80–100% | Sawlogs, packaging timber |
| Blue-stained timber (2–6 months) | 40–60% | Packaging timber, pulpwood |
| Decayed timber (6+ months) | 10–30% | Firewood, woodchips |
Practical tip: If your forest has storm damage, do not wait. Request a quote from us — we buy damaged forest too and organise clearing quickly.
Options for damaged forest
- Sell the damaged forest to Metzfund — we organise the clearing and pay you a fair price
- Sell harvesting rights — we clear the timber, you remain the landowner
- Clear it yourself — requires forestry equipment and logistics, but profit stays with you
- Leave for natural regeneration — suitable for minor damage
"Every week counts. Damaged spruce logs cleared within the first month after the storm sell at nearly full price. Three months later, the value is already cut in half." — Metzfund valuation expert
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an expedited forest notification for storm damage?
Yes, sanitation felling notifications are processed on an expedited basis — usually 3–5 working days.
Does insurance cover storm damage?
Forest insurance is not common in Estonia. Most private forest owners do not have their forest insured.
Can damaged forest be sold at all?
Yes, Metzfund buys damaged forest too. The price depends on the extent of damage and the condition of the timber.
Do I have to carry out forest regeneration myself?
Under the Forest Act, a clear-cut area must be regenerated within 5 years. If you sell the property, the obligation transfers to the buyer.