Final answer:
The tree harvesting method that removes trees in rows over several years is called shelterwood cutting, which helps maintain forest ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tree harvesting method that removes whole trees in rows in several cuttings over several years is known as shelterwood cutting. Unlike clear-cutting, which can leave an area devastated for an extended period, shelterwood cutting involves the removal of mature trees in phases.
This allows for a portion of the canopy to remain, providing shelter for seedlings and younger trees that are critical for the replenishment and regeneration of the forest. Over time, this method helps to maintain the structure and function of the forest ecosystem.