Treecovery explained: What is this nature restoration technique and why is it so effective?

13 aug 2024

At treebytree, we're bringing back nature together with our restoration partner Justdiggit. Today, we're excited to highlight Treecovery, the method central to the nature regeneration efforts we carry out together in Tanzania. But what exactly sets the Treecovery method apart from more widely known tree planting efforts, and why is it so effective at regenerating forests? Let's explore the unique aspects of this approach and its profound impact on the environment.

What is Treecovery?

Deforestation, land degradation, and global warming have contributed to the expansion of dry and barren landscapes across Africa. However, within these landscapes lie millions of tree stumps—remnants of once-thriving forests—waiting for the chance to regrow. The Treecovery Method, championed by our restoration partners Justdiggit and LEAD Foundation in Tanzania, capitalizes on this potential by focusing on the natural regeneration of these stumps, rather than planting new trees.

Treecovery is a landscape restoration technique that rejuvenates forests sustainably. Unlike conventional reforestation methods, which often involve planting new saplings, Treecovery is all about reviving the existing ecosystem. The technique is carried out by Tanzanian farmers, who carefully selects and nurtures tree stumps that have the best chance of thriving in their environment. These stumps, often cut down in the past due to overgrazing, land mismanagement, or the need for firewood, are given a second chance to grow into mature trees, contributing to a more resilient and biodiverse ecosystem.

Inspired by Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), the Treecovery Method involves the selection, pruning, and protection of these tree stumps. With proper care, these stumps can regrow into strong, mature trees, naturally restoring the ecosystem and offering both immediate and long-term benefits to the local communities involved.

Benefits of regrowing trees

Regrowing trees with the Treecovery Method brings a multitude of environmental benefits:

Climate moderation: The shade provided by the trees helps to cool down the surrounding area, reducing heat stress on crops and minimizing water evaporation from the soil.
Enhanced water retention: Trees play a crucial role in retaining water within the soil. This, coupled with reduced evaporation, leads to increased water availability for other vegetation.
Improved soil fertility: As trees shed their leaves, these leaves decompose and act as natural manure, enriching the soil and boosting its fertility.
Carbon sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases and helping to mitigate climate change.
Biodiversity boost: Trees attract a variety of birds and insects. Birds, in particular, play a vital role in spreading seeds through their droppings, which further aids in reforestation efforts.

Together with businesses and resellers, at Treebytree we've managed to invest in nearly 600,000 trees that will be successfully regrown in Tanzania using the Treecovery technique!

Where do we implement Treecovery?

The Treecovery Method is being implemented in Tanzania, where it is most needed. Our partner, Justdiggit, along with the LEAD Foundation, carefully selects areas that are prime candidates for reforestation based on ecological needs and the potential for successful forest recovery.

The process and partners involved

The Treecovery Method involves a detailed, step-by-step process carried out by Justdiggit and LEAD Foundation:

Site selection: Justdiggit and LEAD collaborate with local communities and environmental experts to identify the most suitable areas for forest regeneration, focusing on private farmlands where restoration is essential.
Tree stump selection: Working with trained experts and local farmers, Justdiggit and LEAD identify small trees or stumps that, with proper pruning and care, have the potential to grow back into mature trees over time.
Pruning & protection: Farmers, under the guidance of Justdiggit and LEAD, carefully prune the stumps, selecting the best branches to keep while removing excess ones. The trees are then marked for monitoring and protected from livestock or wildlife if needed.
Monitoring and maintenance: Justdiggit and LEAD continue to train farmers, monitor the health of the trees, and take necessary actions to ensure their long-term vitality.

Join us in restoring nature.

Are you ready to make a green impact? Whether you’re a reseller of corporate gifts or a business committed to sustainability, you can make a green impact by helping us regenerate nature through techniques such as Treecovery. Contact our sales team today or create your account to start your own company forest. Together, with the help of our partners, we can regenerate forests and build a greener, healthier planet.