Reforestation Impact Estimator — CO₂ From Planted Trees

How This Reforestation Estimator Works

This reforestation impact estimator helps you translate a tree-planting plan into an easy-to-understand estimate of carbon sequestration over time. It is designed for educators, community groups, nonprofits, and planners who want a clear picture of how a reforestation project might grow in climate impact year by year. Instead of a single black-box number, the calculator shows how trees take time to establish, mature, and store more carbon as they grow.

The concept is simple: trees do not capture the same amount of CO₂ every year. Young seedlings store very little at first, then increase their sequestration rate as they grow, and eventually level off. The estimator uses a transparent growth model with an establishment period, a ramp to full annual sequestration, and a steady state afterward. It also accounts for survival rates and a permanence buffer, reflecting that not every tree survives and that long-term storage is never guaranteed.

To use the calculator, follow these steps:

1. Choose a planting plan, either a one-time planting or a staggered schedule over multiple years.
2. Enter the number of trees, project duration, and annual sequestration rate per tree.
3. Set an establishment period and ramp length to model early growth.
4. Add survival and permanence assumptions to reflect project risk.
5. Click Calculate to view total CO₂ sequestered and the yearly timeline.

In real-world use, a city tree-planting program might want to compare planting 5,000 trees in one year versus spreading them over five years. A school project might use the estimator to explain how reforestation offsets build over decades rather than instantly. A nonprofit could use it to communicate expected impact to donors, or to compare different species with different sequestration rates.

The results include total tonnes of CO₂ over your chosen horizon, average sequestration per tree, and an optional yearly breakdown. This makes it easy to spot the impact of longer project timelines and higher survival rates. You can also adjust inputs to mirror local data or a published methodology, keeping the estimates grounded in your context.

Limitations

• Real projects may apply more complex curves (e.g., species-specific growth, mortality over time, soil dynamics, leakage).
• This is for awareness and planning, not certification.

FAQs

One-off vs. staggered plantings?

One-off plants all trees in year 1. Staggered plants a set amount each year for N years, which can better reflect phased programs.

Can I match a registry?

Yes. Adjust survival, buffer, sequestration rates, and horizon to mirror a methodology. This tool intentionally keeps the math simple and editable.