How do healthy forests relate to forest pests?

Healthy forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and managing pest populations. When a forest ecosystem is functioning optimally, it benefits from greater biodiversity, which contributes to natural pest resistance. A healthy variety of tree species and a well-established understory promote ecosystem stability. This diversity creates a habitat that can support various natural predators of pests, and healthier trees are better able to withstand pest attacks.

Furthermore, strong trees typically have enhanced immune systems, making them more capable of resisting infections and pest infestations. When trees are stressed—due to factors like overcrowding, disease, or environmental damage—they become more vulnerable to pests. Thus, a healthy forest, rich in diversity and equipped with resilient trees, can effectively withstand and resist naturally occurring pests, reducing the likelihood of pest outbreaks.