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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many trees should be planted per hectare?

    Restoration planting typically uses 1,000-1,600 trees per hectare. Natural thinning over time reduces this to 200-500 mature trees per hectare in a healthy forest.

    How long until a reforested area captures significant carbon?

    Young forests absorb carbon slowly for 5-10 years, then accelerate. Maximum annual sequestration occurs around 20-50 years. It takes 50-100+ years to approach old-growth carbon stocks.

    What species should be planted?

    Native species mixed plantings are most resilient and biodiverse. Avoid monoculture plantations. Include fast growers for early canopy and slow growers for long-term forest structure.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Reforestation Calculator