Saving the Planet

Every tree is unique, so it’s impossible to say exactly how much CO2 it absorbs. However, we use a model based on a well-accepted estimate that suggests a mature tree absorbs 48lbs of CO2 per year. But trees aren’t born mature, so we use a figure of only 13lbs a year for the first ten years of its life, meaning a tree chopped down after 30 years will absorb approximately 0.5 metric tonnes of CO2. At Let’s Plant our trees stay planted – which means that after 100 years each tree will have absorbed roughly 2 tonnes of CO2.

(Sources: McAliney, Mike. “Arguments for Land Conservation: Documentation and Information Sources for Land Resources Protection," Trust for Public Land, Sacramento, CA, December, 1993.), http://urbanforestrynetwork.org/benefits/air%20quality.htm

A 2002 study identified the horse chestnut and the oak as among the best trees at absorbing CO2, but the scientists also tell us that different trees thrive in different locations. That’s why Let’s Plant makes use of its local knowledge to plant the best native trees for that area.

However we’re not fans of conifers – in part because of something known as the albedo effect. Conifers are darker than broadleaf species and they therefore reflect less of the sun’s heat back into space. One study estimates that the gradual change from broadleaf forests to conifer plantations across Europe in the last 300 years has contributed 0.12c to global warming! (Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35496350)

The other reason we prefer broadleaf trees to conifers is aesthetics. Proper native mixed broadleaf forests look better than the straight-edged dark-squares of commercially farmed conifers that dominate so many of our remote hillsides. They’re also genereally better for wildlife.

1 https://www.thoughtco.com/which-trees-offset-global-warming-1204209

We’ll plant a mix of broadleaf forest that’s appropriate to the area.

We aim to plant low-maintenance trees, not because we’re lazy, but because each round of maintenance increases our carbon footprint.

At present, we work in England, Scotland, and Wales.

We have agreements to plant in Africa (Rwanda) and we are looking at Brazil.

Our planting is done on a very large scale across large areas, and therefore we can’t provide information as to where specific trees are planted. We will however be introducing videos on our website so you can see the planting.

To ensure your trees have the best chance of thriving, we don’t allow visits to individual sites and trees. There are a number of reasons for this.

1. Although people buy 100-year trees through Lets Plant all through the year, we don’t plant them until the point in the year when our expert-planters know they have the best chance of thriving.
2. To help with bio-security (we want to minimise the risk of visitors inadvertently carrying parasites or diseases which might damage their trees onto the site).
3. To reduce risk of fire.
4. For your own health and safety.

We will however be introducing videos of the planted sites to our website so you can see what’s been planted.

If the tree dies within the first 3 years from natural causes, we will replace it free of charge although our ethos is to let nature take its course.

If there is a fire, we will have to start again from the beginning.

Every site we have we have bought / has been given with an agreement that the trees will never be chopped down.

We will ensure that in whatever country we are in that this is maintained.