Reforestation

Getting trees and shrubs back is the visible part, and the easiest to do badly. Survival in the first years, not the number planted, is what counts; careful handling, timing, and aftercare are where it is won or lost (planting trees the right way, news). Over decades only a few species may survive a changing climate, so diversity and local provenance are insurance, not garnish (few species survive a century, study).

Non-negotiables

• Native species only, matched to the site; a diverse mix, never one species — mixed stands outperform monocultures even under extreme weather (mixed-species forests outperform monocultures, news).
• Local provenance where possible.
• Right plant, right spot — pioneers first on bare ground, shade-lovers under cover later.
• Monitor survival and replant gaps.

Options & pathways

• Assisted natural regeneration — let it regrow where seed sources survive and soil isn't wrecked. Cheapest and toughest; slower, less controlled. Where forest structure survives a disturbance, carbon returns faster than on land cleared outright (disturbance and forest carbon recovery, study).
• Direct seeding — for large areas with good seed; low cost, patchy results.
• Dense planting (Miyawaki) — fast layered cover on a small prepared patch; seedling- and labour-heavy.
• Standard spaced planting — control over species and layout at moderate effort; slower to close canopy.

Build the species list from the bioregion profile and source local stock early. Pairing roots with the right soil fungi at planting improves establishment (plant–mycorrhiza synergy).