Swiss forests are managed in a close-to-nature way, and they mainly get naturally rejuvenated. This leads to a forest situation most beneficial for the conservation of the genetic diversity of forest trees. If tree breeding and artificial planting are not main targets in Switzerland, why then using genetics in Swiss forests? In fact, the applications of genetic methods in forests are manifold. They can be used for the identification of connectivity and the evaluation of the success of connectivity measures, e.g., among total reserves, old-growth stands and habitat trees. With genetic methods, one may also study how native tree species and their genetic varieties can best be used for adaptation to climate change. Other applications comprise the investigation of biodiversity and ecology, e.g., the influence of forest management on soil biodiversity, or the diagnosis of invasive pests and pathogens and the search for agents of biological control. In the framework of multifunctional forest management, genetic applications can play an important role, if used in a sensible way.