Going Beyond Tree Planting

In recent years, the focus on tree planting as a solution to climate change has gained significant momentum. Every Earth Day or Environment Day, millions worldwide participate in tree-planting activities, believing their job is done once the sapling is in the ground. However, planting a tree and not tending to it to ensure its growth is of little use in the fight against climate change. To truly harness the potential of trees in reversing climate change, it is crucial to understand the importance of maintaining and nurturing them throughout their life cycles. 

The Misconception of Tree Planting The idea that simply planting trees can reverse climate change is a common misconception. While tree planting is an essential first step, it is only part of the solution. Trees sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their biomass and soil. However, this process is not instantaneous and requires time and proper care for the trees to grow and mature. Every year, on Earth Day or Environment Day, people worldwide plant millions of trees. These efforts are often celebrated as significant contributions to combating climate change. However, without proper maintenance, many of these saplings fail to survive, and the potential benefits of carbon sequestration are lost. Planting a tree is just the beginning; ensuring its growth and health is what truly makes a difference. 

The Importance of Tree Maintenance Planting a tree and then neglecting it is akin to planting a seed and expecting it to grow without water, sunlight, or nutrients. Trees require regular care, including watering, protection from pests and diseases, and proper spacing to ensure they have enough resources to thrive. Without these essential maintenance activities, the survival rate of planted trees drops significantly, and their potential to sequester carbon is greatly diminished. In India, a significant portion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds is allocated to tree-planting initiatives. However, there is a stark contrast in the amount of funding dedicated to tree maintenance. According to the India CSR Network, while millions of trees are planted annually, the survival rate of these trees is often less than 50 percent due to inadequate post-planting care. This disparity highlights the need for a balanced approach that prioritises both planting and maintenance. 

Carbon Sequestration Across Tree Life Cycles Carbon sequestration varies across different stages of a tree's life cycle. During the early years of a tree's life (Youth phase of 0-20 years), it undergoes rapid growth, characterised by high photosynthetic activity and significant biomass accumulation. This stage is critical for establishing the tree's root system and canopy. For example, young Eucalyptus trees can sequester large amounts of carbon due to their fast growth rates. As trees mature (Middle Age of 20-50 years), they continue to sequester carbon at high rates. This stage is marked by steady growth and substantial biomass accumulation. Middle-aged trees, such as Teak and Sal, are particularly effective at carbon sequestration during this period. The carbon sequestration rate slows down in the later stages of a tree's life (Old Age of 50+ years). However, due to their large biomass, old trees continue to store significant amounts of carbon. For instance, old Banyan trees can act as substantial carbon reservoirs, storing carbon for centuries. 

The Role of Tree Health in Carbon Sequestration It's not just about planting trees; it's about their health too. Healthy trees are more efficient at capturing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere. Factors such as species selection, environmental conditions, and effective forest management are crucial in maintaining tree health and enhancing their ability to sequester carbon. Trees affected by insects and diseases sequester significantly less carbon compared to healthy trees. For instance, forests impacted by insect disturbances sequester 69 percent less carbon, and those affected by diseases sequester 28 percent less carbon. Soil fertility, water availability, sunlight exposure, and temperature are critical factors that affect tree health and growth. Optimal conditions promote faster growth and higher carbon sequestration, while adverse conditions can stress trees and reduce their carbon uptake. 

Beyond Sequestration: Additional Benefits of Growing Trees Let's not forget the other benefits of growing trees. Healthy forests support diverse ecosystems, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes can improve soil health, increase crop yields, and provide additional income sources for farmers. Trees influence local weather patterns by increasing evapotranspiration, which has a cooling effect, and by providing shade, which reduces surface temperatures. Trees contribute to flood control, soil stabilisation, and water purification, enhancing the environment's overall health. 

The Role of Local Community Involvement Local community involvement is not just a nice-to-have; it's a crucial part of the long-term maintenance of tree plantations. When residents participate in tree planting and maintenance activities, they foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment. This collective effort ensures that trees receive the necessary care, such as watering, mulching, and protection from pests and diseases. Additionally, community involvement can lead to the creation of green jobs and economic opportunities, further empowering the maintenance of tree plantations. 

Call to Action: Tend and Grow, Not Just Plant | To truly combat climate change, it is essential to shift the focus from merely planting trees to ensuring their growth and health. This commitment to regular maintenance, protection from pests and diseases, and providing the necessary resources for trees to thrive not only maximises their carbon sequestration potential but also paves the way for a greener, healthier future. By tending to and growing trees, we can make a lasting difference. We can reap the additional benefits they offer to biodiversity, agroforestry, and local climate regulation, ensuring a sustainable environment for generations to come. 

As we celebrate Earth Day or Environment Day and other environmental events, remember that our responsibility does not end with planting a tree. The real impact comes from nurturing these trees to maturity, ensuring they grow strong and healthy. Let us pledge to tend and grow, not just plant, and make a lasting difference in our fight against climate change. 

(Tanya Singhal, Founder, Mynzo Carbon & SolarArise)