Reforestation Calculator

On average, a mature tree sequesters roughly 21–25 kg of CO₂ per year. To offset 1 tonne of CO₂ annually, you would need approximately 40–50 trees, though this varies significantly by species, climate, and tree age. Fast-growing species in tropical climates can reduce that number considerably.

Sequestration rates vary widely. Fast-growing species like Eucalyptus or Poplar can absorb 20–50 kg CO₂ per tree per year, tropical broadleafs absorb 15–30 kg, and slower-growing hardwoods may absorb 10–22 kg per year. However, hardwoods tend to store carbon for much longer periods, making them valuable for long-term offsets.

Not all planted trees survive to maturity — drought, disease, pests, and competition cause natural losses. If you plant 1,000 trees but 15% die, only 850 contribute to your carbon offset goal. The calculator accounts for this by increasing the number of trees you need to plant upfront to still meet your target.

Land requirements depend on tree spacing. Dense plantings (2×2 m) need about 1 hectare per 2,500 trees, while open agroforestry layouts (8×8 m) need 1 hectare per 156 trees. The calculator estimates the total land area based on your chosen spacing and the number of trees required.

Project lifetime is the number of years you intend to maintain the reforestation effort. The longer the project, the more CO₂ each tree sequesters cumulatively — and the fewer total trees you need to meet your annual offset target over that period. A 50-year project delivers far more carbon value per tree than a 10-year one.

Reforestation is a powerful tool but works best as part of a broader strategy. Trees take years to reach full sequestration potential, and land availability is a constraint. Most climate experts recommend combining reforestation with direct emissions reductions for a meaningful impact on your net carbon footprint.

Canopy cover refers to the percentage of ground surface shaded by tree crowns at maturity. Higher canopy cover improves biodiversity, reduces urban heat, manages stormwater, and improves air quality. It is an important measure of ecological benefit beyond just carbon storage.

Agroforestry integrates trees with crops or livestock on the same land, typically using wider spacing. It provides carbon sequestration benefits while also generating food or timber income. Carbon sequestration per hectare is lower than dense forestry but the economic and biodiversity co-benefits often make it highly practical for landowners.