Restoration forestry is modeled on the natural dynamics of forest growth and development whereby only the damaged and diseased trees are harvested.  This approach leaves a residual stand of vigorous, well-formed, high-value tree species with the benefit of increased resource availability (e.g. light, water, and soil nutrients).  The high-quality, "leave trees" respond by increasing their growth rates, which translates roughly into an interest rate earned on a financial investment.  From a long-term, financial standpoint, the goal must be to sustain high growth rates on trees of the highest quality.  By selecting the best trees and releasing them from resource competition, one can at once enhance the ecological health and the financial value of the forest.

The main advantage of this management regime is that the landscape is maintained in a forested condition at all times.  Thus, in addition to meeting human use needs through harvesting, the forest continues to provide aesthetic and ecological benefits as well.  Diverse, structurally complex forests contain a variety of food sources and habitat types for wildlife and provide valuable ecosystem services such as clean air and water, soil enrichment and stability and carbon storage.