Prior use

As previous use is referred to in the forestry use recyclable timber before it is considered harvestable.

According to the age class model, stands in which the trees are on average strong enough to be harvested are considered to be ready for cutting . In forests that are not managed according to the age class model - which is becoming more common - individual trees are ready to be cut when they have reached the target size ( target size use ).

In stocks that are managed strictly according to the age class model, the previous use is followed by the final use . In forests with single logs and other uneven forests, the prior use and harvest of trees that are ready for cutting often take place simultaneously on the same area.