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Disturbances cause pronounced changes in ecosystems in the Boreal Forests. Many of the species found in the Boreal are highly adapted to disturbance, and even rely on it to continue their life cycle. Red Pine for example, is a species of coniferous tree found in the Boreal that requires regular fires in order to reproduce. The heat from the fire is necessary to prepare their seeds for dispersal, and it kills the trees in the understorey so that the shade intolerant seedlings can survive. Without fire, Red Pine forests may not persist, and would likely be replaced by other species such as Black Spruce.

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The mosaic nature of the Boreal Forest is largely due to disturbance. Patches of different types of forest structure are interspersed all across the Boreal from closed canopy forests to lichen woodland to shrubs and herbs to newly burned areas. Many animal species of the Boreal rely on certain types of forest structure but many also rely on several types in close proximity. The Canadian Lynx for example hunts for its prey, the Snowshoe Hare in newly disturbed open areas but needs mature closed canopy forests for cover and denning.

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Disturbances are also necessary regulate the carbon cycle and flow of nutrients in the Boreal. Mature forests are known as areas of low primary productivity and the build up of carbon based organic matter in the forest floor. A disturbance of some sort is usually necessary to break the conditions that set up a self-perpetuating cycle of carbon build-up and unlock the nutrients in the soil.

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