Three species are compared here to demonstrate how systematic study of regeneration processes can be of use in devising strategies to accelerate tree regeneration in deforested areas. Despite high levels of production of Beilschmiedia sp. seeds, the low rate of seed dispersal limited seedling recruitment in the clearing. In addition, seed germination was sharply reduced by lack of rainfall and the seedlings were highly susceptible to scorching by direct sunlight. Raising seedlings in nurseries and planting them out in degraded areas under the shade of existing herbaceous vegetation may be a suitable method of accelerating the regeneration of this species. Prunus cerasoides seeds were produced abundantly in both years of the study but seedling recruitment in the clearing was limited mainly by insufficient dispersal of its seeds into the cleared area. Under experimental conditions seeds germinated and seedlings established readily, so direct seed sowing in degraded areas may be appropriate. Alternatively,