In many regions of the world, forest management has left a deep and lasting imprint on forest ecosystems. Thus, information about the history and development of forest management is crucial to understand past, present, and potential future characteristics of forests. In this study we evaluate driving forces of forest management using the example of artificial tree regeneration practices in the Swiss Central Plateau (Canton of Zurich) during the 19th and 20th century. Based on statistical data, we built 150-year long time series of artificial regeneration practices which show major shifts in amount and species composition and which allow comparisons between different types of forest ownership. A long period of predominantly conifer plantations in the 19th century was followed by an increase in broad-leafed species being planted in the first half of the 20th century. After a short period of intensive use of conifers for regeneration between 1950 and 1970, the total number of planted trees has dramatically declined. We analyzed contemporary information about forest management to interpret the changes detected and we discuss the contemporary rationale of the different periods detected. Our results revealed that economy, ecology, politics, and management schemes are the most important driving forces of regeneration practices.