Overall, the number of yearly planted seedlings in Slovenia is decreasing, while planting is increasing in years following natural disturbances, which occur more and more often. The paper deals with the planting success in Forest Management Unit Mokronog in years 1996–2015. Forty out of 175 plantations (20 with an area smaller or equal to 0.1 ha and 20 with an area larger than 0.1 ha) were randomly selected with the sample and analyzed. Opinions of local foresters were collected by guided interviews. The largest area was planted with spruce, followed by sycamore maple, European ash and wild cherry. Drought, game impact, excessive canopy coverage and natural disturbances were the main causes of seedling mortality. Seedling survival was improved by regular tending. The proportion of survived seedlings was 44% and 27% within younger and older plantations, respectively. This seems acceptable considering spontaneously developed natural regeneration and silvicultural goals. Foresters estimate the potential for the natural regeneration as significant. The selection of the tree species suitable for plantations is demanding. It is necessary to: take into account site suitability, local ecological conditions, climate change and other factors, avoid monocultures to ensure species diversity and stand stability and to carry out tending on a regularly.
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