Plant 3000 trees in 3 days! First POC for TreesEverywhere.

My village in central France has already been experiencing significant temperature increases, as compared to previous decades. I noted this summer almost 41°C when in 25 years I had never observed more than 34 ° ...

Doing some research, I was then struck by an article from ETH-Zürich which posited the hypothesis that the planting of 1000 billions trees, in addition to the 3000 billions existing on Earth, could have a significant impact on global warming climate. According to their calculations, it could absorb up to 200 of the 300 giga T of CO2 released by human activities since the start of industrial revolution.

This led me to think about trees mass planting, at home to start with, to induce local cooling, maintain humidity, re-develop an ecosystem of flora and fauna, and of course test a very small #carbone sink model, but I only have a small available land…

I have then discovered works of Japanese Botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki. From there, convinced of the interest of the high density and diversity plantation, I began to study the quick implementation of such a project around my house in Loir et Cher.

My objective was to start with a high density plantation on a 1000 sqm surface in Boursay, in order to test the primary forest type eco-system reconstitution.

First step: which trees? what level of diversity?

The high diversity of local species is central to this reforestation project. It is a key element of Miyawaki's approach as compared to traditional forest plantations.

The local nurseryman gave me an initial selection of 30 or 40 species, which was then corrected and enriched by local botanical experts. It is important to consider species that are both adapted to the local terrain and can adapt, or resist, to global warming.

30 local, robust species were therefore chosen according to these criteria.

We have as well shrubs that will not exceed 2m, as trees of high forest (oaks, beeches, maples, etc.).

Second step: plant! French Saying is « On Saint Catherine day, all wood takes root! »

As the land was a former pasture, clean, unused for 25 years, with a healthy layer of humus, there was no need for preparation or amendments, apart from lawn mowing.

So we started on November 22, with a pure amateurism… by making large holes with a spade...

I soon called on experienced foresters, with a more proven and fast technique:-)

• The distribution among species was as random as possible.
•  The plants are not aligned at all.
•  The gap between plants is usually 40 to 60 cm.

Finally, I have drawn paths, because within 2 or 3 years, none will be able to penetrate the dense forest.

This work took 8 days/man to achieve, or 375 plants per day/man.

The equipment was limited to: spade to open the ground, wheelbarrow to carry the plant bunches (40 to 75 cm high), secateurs to reduce the roots and aerial parts and boot's heels to tap the ground and close the holes:-).

What’s next

This plot is enclosed and close to the village, there are no deer to graze our young plants.

We will see in the spring whether we need to add a little mulch around the plants, to protect them from competition of grass.

We expect that almost 100% of the plants will start well in spring; the winter has been very mild and rainy till now.

Neverthelss, we will probably have to water a little in July & August, to get over the first summer hot and dry time.

Beyond that, competition between the plants should result in a very strong vertical thrust, and it is likely that the plantation will be impenetrable for man from the 2nd summer.

The most vigorous trees should reach 6 to 8 meters in less than 5 years.

We expect a significant effect on wildlife growth (insects, birds, small mammals).

In the same way, the flora will be enriched by the dispersal of seeds from this field to the outside, and the reception on this field of seeds from the outside environment. In fact, we had already observed here in the past the role of squirrels, birds and weasels for the transfer of seeds, fruits and stones (nuts, wild cherry trees, cherry trees in particular).We should most probably see mushrooms as well

We regularly take pictures and will later deliver a Timelapse of this site.

And After?

What I wanted to test and demonstrate was our ability to plant without mechanisation, very fast, very dense, in a non-traditional way.

This High density plantation could allow one to reach a million trees & shrubs on 30 ha only. A huge carbon capture machine indeed to restore local eco-system.

The challenge is also obviously to validate plantation hypotheses, profitability for investors & funds, as for companies.

What about you ?

Whether you are a citizen, investor, local elected official, head of a company, with available land, committed to (re)-planting: join us in this think tank to create a profitable activity around #reforestation!

We need to plant massively, in a healthy financial profitability approach to attract #financing, have a real #economic, social and #environmental impact!

Feel free to contact me! and share this article.

Thank you for your attention.

Olivier de Montety

olivier@montety.com