Science on monitoring and management after planting trees

Post-planting care

One of the last steps in the tree planting process is post-planting care of new trees in the form of careful monitoring and long-term management for survival and growth. Regular monitoring and management after seedlings mature will ensure planted trees continue to provide benefits long into the future (including GHG reductions).

Growth and survival assessments are made using manual methods or remote sensing technologies (satellite and airborne sensor imagery). Maintenance activities are triggered if trees are struggling to grow and can include options such as:

• in-fill planting or seeding
• fertilization
• control of competing vegetation

Beyond tree planting

Forest carbon estimation

Forest information can help us better understand and manage our forests, as well as calculate forest carbon. Using site information provided by 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program recipients, staff at the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) can calculate current and projected greenhouse gas emissions and removals based on the number and location of trees planted. They can also ensure the success of long-term program outcomes.

Social science research

In addition to determining carbon captured by trees planted through the program, the CFS is interested in determining other benefits of these trees, such as the effects on human well-being. CFS researchers have developed a social science research program for the 2BT program. They are also developing a methodology to assess how the 2BT program affects Canadians’ well-being. One research goal is to determine how to maximize the socio-economic and human well-being co-benefits of the 2BT program.

Sharing knowledge to support the 2 Billion Trees program

The 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program is committed to providing program recipients with the knowledge they need to succeed. Below is a list of research projects, knowledge exchange products, tools and activities that have been developed or are in the process of being developed to support tree planting under the program and enhance the survival and productivity of planted trees.

Research projects:

• Monitoring tree survival and carbon accumulation in 2BT urban plantations using drones
• Supporting and tracking tree planting and its GHG contribution in the western boreal region of Canada
• Impacts of tree planting on hydrology in Canada
• Digging deeper into social and cultural indicators related to the benefits of trees for human health and well-being
• Accessible and enhanced tree-ring database and information for reporting on Canada’s forests
• Utilizing remotely sensed data to support effective planning and monitoring of forestation efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Flying Forest Phenotyping: Assessing advanced remote-sensing tools to improve genetic selection for pathogen tolerance in a high-value coastal conifer
• Large-area afforestation monitoring for the 2 Billion Trees program – initial feasibility study
• Monitoring forest recovery in Canada’s forested ecosystems

Knowledge exchange products, tools and activities:

• Climate change and the bioeconomy: Finding silviculture solutions for 21st century forests

Research results and other knowledge will become available on an ongoing basis and will be added to the 2BT knowledge inventory.

Stay connected

If you have questions or want to join the distribution list for program updates, email the 2BT Program.