Reforestation is the replanting of an existing, depleted forest.

There are two types of reforestation, Natural and Managed.

Natural Reforestation is the natural ability of a forest to rehabilitate itself and can occur without outside influence if the area is left undisturbed. 

Forest fires are one common natural disaster where natural reforestation is often allowed to proceed.  While forest fires may destroy what many regard as useful wood or attractive scenery, they typically do not destroy the forest itself.

A tree’s survival after a fire depends on the type and extent of fire injury, tree health, and the influence of insects, disease, and weather. If there is no trunk or root injury and less than 70% of the crown was burned, trees of normal health are more likely to live than die. 

In addition, fallen trees, left as arranged by nature, provide the habitat needed by birds, insects, and small mammals, and as the trees decay, they nourish the soil for the next generation of seedlings.

Managed Reforestation is the human assisted replanting of a depleted forest whether by physical or mechanical planting of seeds, seedlings, or juvenile trees.  

One debatable issue in managed reforestation is whether or not the succeeding forest will have the same biodiversity or variation in tree and wildlife species as the original forest.  Typically, one who has studied silviculture will oversee a managed reforestation effort.  Silviculture is the study of care and development of forests.  

To maintain biodiversity, forests are replanted using varied species of seedlings in a common area.  The goal is to re-create what naturally existed prior to the destruction of the forested area.

What factors influence the decision to apply managed reforestation?

Following the destruction of a forest, where damage is too thorough, managed reforestation is often chosen as the best option.  Other factors are also assessed and intervention may be appropriate to reduce erosion, prevent landslides and mudslides, and prevent incursion of invasive species.  Invasive species often grow at a faster rate than native ones and will absorb much of the sunlight, water, and soil nutrients needed for native seedlings to grow.

I Plant Trees practices managed reforestation.