Forest management in a changing climate: assessing the impacts of adaptation measures on the visual aesthetics of forests—the example of Germany

Climate change presents major challenges to forest ecosystems, requiring adaptive management to sustain their ecological, economic, and recreational functions. This study explores the impact of climate change adaptation measures (CCAMs) on the visual aesthetics of forests, an important yet underexplored area of forest management influencing recreation and well-being. Through a combination of literature review and expert interviews, we evaluate how common CCAMs affect key forest attributes—such as tree size, species diversity, and understory density—and their influence on aesthetic perceptions. The CCAMs are grouped into three strategies: (1) diversification of tree species, (2) strengthening ecological functions, and (3) reducing biotic and abiotic stressors. Our findings indicate that diversification of tree species generally enhances the visual aesthetics of forests by increasing tree height variation and species diversity while reducing clear-cuts. Conversely, measures aimed at strengthening ecological functions, such as rapid reforestation and leaving more residues, often negatively affect visual aesthetics due to visible residues and reduced structural complexity. Measures that reduce stressors yield mixed results, depending on the specific intervention. Intensive forestry activities, like early intensive thinning and shortened production cycles, tend to have negative impacts, at least in the short term, while measures that promote structural diversity and tree growth through the conversion of forests into multi-layered stands or reducing game populations generally improve the visual aesthetics of forests. This study underscores the importance of integrating aesthetic considerations into CCAMs, particularly in urban forests, where public perception is crucial. Incorporating these considerations can enhance public acceptance of climate adaptation strategies, ensuring that forests remain resilient and visually appealing in a changing climate.