Slash, or slashings, is a forestry term that refers to coarse and fine woody debris generated during logging operations or through wind, snow or other natural forest disturbances.[1] Slash generated during logging operations may increase fire hazard and some North American states have passed laws requiring that logging slash be treated.[2] Logging slash can be chipped and used for the production of electricity or heat in cogeneration power plants.[3]
In parts of the world where logging takes place on soft ground the branches and tops of trees can be used as part of the timber harvesting process to provide a track for forest machines to travel upon.[4] Utilizing slash in this manner mitigates ground damage.