A forest is a continuous and extensive land covered with a closed stand of tall trees, usually of commercial value.
Forestry Is the science of planting caring and using trees/forests and their associated resources or the practice of managing and using trees/ forests and their associated resources
Factors influencing the Distribution and types of Natural Forests
Climate
Very cold conditions discourage the growth of forests.
In tropical areas where temperatures are high, forests grow faster than in temperate regions.
Forests require heavy precipitation throughout the year hence they will not grow in areas where precipitation and relative humidity are low.
Altitude
Altitude affects temperature and rainfall.
low temperature results in slower forest growth and small size while high temperatures produce more luxuriant growth.
With an increase in either latitude and altitude, there is generally a decrease in the size, luxuriance, and rate of growth of forests.
Soils
Deep, well-drained, and fertile soils support plant life hence having the variety or dense forest cover.
Human activities
Humans have cleared forests to give room to farming and settlement.
Some trees have been cut to provide timber for fuel and building materials.
This has led to the destruction of many forested areas.
Topography
Forests do not grow on steep mountains where the surface is bare rock, the soils are thin and temperatures are low.
Windward slopes of high mountains like Kilimanjaro and Kenya usually receive higher rainfall amounts and therefore are forested.
The leeward slopes are covered with scrub vegetation
