Germany has a strong forest potential with an area of 11.419.124 ha, representing 32% of the territory according to the third National Forest Inventory (2015). Dominant coniferous species (Picea albies, Pinus sylvestris) and broad leaved species (Fagus sylvatica, Quercus sp.) are adapted to a temperate climate, sometimes under extreme conditions of cold and heat. Part of activities carried out are oriented to the provision of goods and services in order to generate socio-economic benefits. Who own to forest in Germany? Mainly the States, Privates, and cooperation. Timber and paper industry is flourishing in the country with thousands of jobs and billions of euro generated every year. The economic potential is  no doubt huge. 

The main threats, attack of trees by beetles and windthrow are major problem destroying thousands of hectares each year. For now, only measures such as early harvesting and mixed species plantation are implemented, since chemical spray against pests is not efficient enough. Losses from such factors are not to minimize and studies through weather forecast through satellites of dominant winds and laboratory analysis are applied.

Unlike in tropical countries the diversity of species in Germany as in other temperate countries is quite low; but species available have a structure (stem straightness and length) providing products of high quality such as: roundwood, sawnwood, plywood, veneer, fibreboards, chipboards, railway sleepers, etc.