Strong winds or storms undoubtedly affect and alter forests, and their impact can also result in socio-economic losses. In the near future, the frequency and intensity of wind – and therefore the disturbances (or damage) it causes – are expected to increase, which is why we must consider appropriate management and operational methods. This review evaluates best practices and potential challenges from strategic, procedural, economic, and environmental perspectives. We wish to emphasise that forest management following wind damage must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account forest type, site conditions, available resources, and existing legislation. Perspectives on the utilisation of timber (obtained from windthrow or windbreak) vary across Europe, for example, leaving fallen or broken trees untouched or storing the timber in specific conditions.
