Balancing timber production with biodiversity conservation is challenging. Collembola, a key soil mesofauna group, contribute significantly to forest ecosystem functioning and bioindication. We examined long-term, seasonal effects of four management treatments, gap-cutting (G), clear-cutting (CC), retention tree group (R), and preparation cutting (P), in an 80-year-old oak forest, with untreated controls (C), after five and eight years. Collembola responses differed by ecomorphological group and season. Epigeic densities were lowest in G plots after five years but recovered in the eighth year. Hemiedaphic forms were most abundant in C plots, while G and CC plots remained reduced. Euedaphic Collembola responded in the fifth year, particularly in R during spring, but differences largely disappeared by the eighth year. By year eight, G supported the most diverse and even communities, whereas diversity declined in C and R plots. Seasonal differences were strongest in spring but weakened over time. Our findings highlight Collembola’s capacity to recover after disturbance, supporting their use as indicators of ecological recovery. Treatments with limited canopy opening: G and P maintained community structure and enhanced diversity. As succession advanced, vegetation structure became a stronger driver than soil or seasonal factors. Collembola inform monitoring of forest regeneration and guiding sustainable management.