Silviculture has been one of the cornerstones of Swiss forest science for more than a century, with Swiss scientists contributing several pivotal silvicultural ideas and approaches that are still used today (e.g. forests management according to the selection system). A strong base in silvicultural research is critical because more than 70% of Switzerland's forests are managed, and the sustainable management of these forests requires a solid scientific base of evidence.

Despite the relatively small size of the country, a wide range of silvicultural regimes are applied in Swiss forests. This is due to the diversity of forest types and management objectives, as illustrated below.