Reforestation Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the reforestation calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Reforestation Calculator

Formulas Used

Total Trees to Plant

trees_needed = total_trees

Total Project Cost

project_cost = total_cost

CO2 Captured Over Period

carbon_captured = annual_seq * growth_years

Cost per Ton CO2

cost_per_ton_co2 = total_cost / (annual_seq * growth_years)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
area_hectaresArea to Reforest(hectares)50
trees_per_haPlanting Density(trees/ha)1100
cost_per_treeCost per Tree(USD)2.5
growth_yearsGrowth Period(years)20
total_treesDerived value= area_hectares * trees_per_hacalculated
total_costDerived value= total_trees * cost_per_treecalculated
annual_seqDerived value= area_hectares * 5calculated

How It Works

How to Plan Reforestation

Reforestation restores forest cover to sequester carbon and rebuild ecosystems.

Formula

Trees Needed = Area * Planting Density

Cost = Trees * Cost per Tree

Planting Density

  • Dense restoration: 1,000-1,600 trees/ha
  • Moderate: 600-1,000 trees/ha
  • Agroforestry: 200-400 trees/ha

    • A new forest can sequester 5-10 metric tons CO2/ha/year once established.

    Worked Example

    Reforest 50 hectares at 1,100 trees/ha, $2.50/tree, over 20 years.

    area_hectares = 50trees_per_ha = 1100cost_per_tree = 2.5growth_years = 20
    1. 01Total trees: 50 * 1,100 = 55,000 trees
    2. 02Cost: 55,000 * $2.50 = $137,500
    3. 03Annual sequestration: 50 * 5 = 250 metric tons CO2/year
    4. 04Total carbon: 250 * 20 = 5,000 metric tons CO2
    5. 05Cost per ton: $137,500 / 5,000 = $27.50/ton

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Reforestation Calculator