In 2023, forests in the Forest Management Unit Tolmin were severely affected by a windthrow, which caused extensive damage to forest stands. This thesis aimed to analyse i) the extent of damage and mortality to individual tree species, ii) the influence of site factors on damage occurrence, and iii) changes in forest structure due to windthrow. We conducted a re-inventory of 30 permanent sample plots, previously measured in 2021. A custom classification system was developed to categorize the type and cause of tree damage. The most affected tree species were European ash, field maple, and lime, and the most frequent type of damage was uprooting. Damaged trees prevailed between 200 and 400 m of elevation and on southwestern and southern slopes. A notable increase in tree mortality was observed when comparing the periods 2011– 2021 and 2021–2024, highlighting the impact of windthrow and other environmental factors. A significant decline in stand volume was recorded, supporting findings on the amplified tree mortality. The identified patterns of tree damage and mortality provide a basis for adaptive forest management in the wind-exposed areas.
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