FERIC monitored site preparation work intended to promote the natural regeneration of yellow birch in stands harvested by means of single-tree and group-selection cuts. Our observations compared superficial scalping performed simultaneously with harvesting by the feller-director or by skidders versus follow-up scalping in the harvested openings performed by skidders equipped with a scarification rake. Although beneficial under certain circumstances, such as in terrain that is difficult to access, the treatments performed during harvesting did not prove to be more efficient than the follow-up treatment. However, the latter offers the advantage of greater flexibility in application.