Navigation mit Access Keys

Main menu


Main menu


SwissForestLab is an infrastructure network and a research platform. By tapping into synergies from the expertise in forest research in Switzerland, we promote cooperative research for a deeper understanding of the functioning, resistance and resilience of forest ecosystems.



Researchers use spectral data from drone photos to reveal the health condition of trees.

A long-term study shows that dry periods hit spruce and fir forests hard, but targeted measures can increase their resilience.

Low-branched  fallen trees, now heavily decomposed, in a part of the Bödmerenwald where Storm Vivian brought down many trees in 1990.

The Bödmerenwald near Muotathal has seen a significant increase in wood volume, dead wood and small habitats for insects and fungi.

Tree pests are on the increase in Switzerland. Researchers at the WSL Plant Protection Laboratory are on their trail. Read more in Diagonal.

Trees grow mainly at night, because dry air inhibits cell growth in day time, even in moist soil conditions, a new WSL study found out.

By supplying pine trees with labelled CO2, researchers have shown for the first time how sugars formed by trees are distributed in the soil.

What is Vapor Pressure Deficit and why does it matter for forests? A SwissForestLab video presents high-end research in this field.

Schmetterlinge wie dieser Streifen-Bläuling (_Polyommatus damon_) können sich durch Abwanderung in höhere Lagen an das veränderte Klima in den Alpen anpassen. (Foto: Yannick Chittaro)


Tree buds emerge from dormancy when they have been exposed to cool temperatures for a certain time.

Photo: Reinhard Lässig / WSL

Bark beetles destroyed more than 1.4 million m3 of spruce wood in 2020. Beetle infestation is expected to remain high in 2021. (in German)