| Summary: | As a consequence of the intensive economic use of oak forests in the region, the share of stands of natural origin is significantly reduced, which requires an in-depth study of their condition, productivity, and natural restoration processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the state, structure, and reforestation processes of oak forests for their further natural reproduction. Generally accepted methods in forestry and comparative ecology were used to compare the dynamics and condition of the studied stands with the reference ones. The paper presents the findings of the study of the productivity and state of natural forests within the state enterprise "Khmilnytske lisove hospodarstvo". It was found out that natural oak stands are represented by 7 forest types, mainly in fresh hornbeam oak forest (area – 471 hectares). According to the results obtained, it was found that natural oak stands of vegetative origin predominate within the studied enterprise (528.6 ha). They are mainly represented by forests of the 11th age class (188.0 ha). High-bonitat oak forests of the 1st quality class predominate. Mature and over-mature stands have slightly lower productivity (2nd quality class, stand density of 0.6-0.7). The largest total reserve is characterised by stands of the 11th age class. The maximum average reserves are typical for stands of the 9th age class (290 m3/ha). The greatest share of oak in stand composition (9-10 units) was found in stands of 9-10 age classes. The study shows that the natural renewal of oak is concentrated mainly in fresh sudubrava (fresh hornbeam sudubrava) in plantings in the presence of Scots pine and common oak. The density of natural renewal is 1-3 thousand units/ha. The practical value of the study is conditioned by the possibility of introducing the basic principles of forestry aimed at growing stable high-yield stands of common oak through more complete utilisation of natural renewal.
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