Similar names: reforestation, afforestation, planting saplings, planting seedlings

Tree planting is a technique whereby tree seedlings are transplanted for a variety of different purposes (such as forestry, land reclamation or landscape restoration). One can refer to the tree planting technique with the name of afforestation or reforestation. Afforestation indicates that the area being planted has not been recently forested. Reforestation indicates the area being planted was forested in the recent past. In the field of landscape restoration, tree planting is a means to tackle soil erosion thereby reducing the risk of floods and landslides. Tree leaves protect against rainfall; by intercepting raindrops, tree leaves slow down their fall and reduce their erosion power. Tree roots, on the other hand, serve as an anchor for soil, especially on sloping terrains. Planting trees also contributes to the prevention of soil erosion by improving water infiltration in the ground, so that water runoff will be reduced. Lastly, trees play an important role in restoring degraded lands, because they prepare the soil for future crops by providing it with organic matter through dead leaves and by creating good conditions through the roots.

Tree planting initiatives provide several economic benefits, such as income from wood, fuel, and non-timber forest products, as well as cost savings and job creation. Social benefits include clearer tenure security, community engagement, and a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. These initiatives also serve as educational platforms, raising environmental awareness among community members, especially youth. Additionally, they improve air quality and help preserve traditional knowledge related to native tree species and their uses.

NOTE: If the main desired outcome is to restore a forest, tree planting should only be implemented where the adoption of cheaper and more time-efficient interventions such as assisted natural regeneration (ANR) or farmed managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is not possible.