The Science of Forest Restoration: How Trees Grow and Thrive in Restored Forests

The Science of Forest Restoration: How Trees Grow and Thrive in Restored Forests

Planting a tree is more than just placing a seedling in the ground — it’s the start of a complex natural process that restores ecosystems and supports life. At Remembrance Forest, we take a scientific approach to tree planting to ensure each tree grows strong and healthy within our restored landscapes. Let’s dive into the science behind how trees thrive in restored forests. 

The Foundation: Healthy Soil

Although it might not be what you first think of when forests are mentioned, soil is one of the most critical elements of any wooded area. Soil is not the boring, lifeless mass most people think of as “dirt.”  Instead, soil is a fascinating mixture of the geology and biology of a location.  That’s because soil is a combination of the weathered remnants of rocks mixed with organic matter from the local vegetation plus countless microorganisms and invertebrates that call the soil home.  In our restoration projects, we always study the type of soil mapped on a property and get our hands dirty evaluating the soil.  When necessary, we improve soil health by adding organic matter and encouraging beneficial microorganisms. Healthy soil provides trees with essential nutrients, supports root growth, and retains moisture. Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, helping trees absorb water and nutrients more effectively.

The Connection: Water

Water is vital for young trees, and restored forests will help restore water quality. Native vegetation and natural land contours help reduce erosion, allowing rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running off.  Water connects all things due to how it flows literally from the mountains to the sea, passing through all the areas in between.  That’s why it matters how we maintain and improve water quality: what we do on our property affects everyone downstream.  At Remembrance Forest we strive to create the ideal growing conditions for a variety of native trees and shrubs and water is a critical part of that goal.

The Ground Layer: Grasses and Flowers

Underneath all the trees and shrubs we plant is a diversity of native grasses and flowering plants.  The herbaceous plant community is essential to the health of a young forest.  First, invasive species have to be controlled so that they don’t form a large monoculture that could outcompete young trees and shrubs.  Second, we seed an area with a diverse mix of grasses, sedges, and forbs that provide shelter and food for wildlife and prevent erosion of a site’s soils.  Remembrance Forest is not a manicured orchard – it is a natural plant community adapted to the local region.

The Main Event: Trees and Shrubs

You can’t have a forest without the trees.  Choosing the right species for the environment is essential for a successful restoration. At Remembrance Forest, we plant a diverse mix of native species, including oaks, hickories, maples, and dogwoods, among many others. Each species is carefully selected based on its compatibility with the local soil, sunlight, and water conditions, ensuring it can thrive for generations.

The Reward

Yes, we are using our long experience with ecosystem restoration to guide Remembrance Forest to become the healthiest, most beautiful forest we can.  But the main goal is to share with you the joy and hope it brings us to restore degraded lands back to diverse, native landscapes teaming with wildlife.  We hope that your involvement with Remembrance Forest - sharing that good feeling with your loved one – brings peace and joy to both of you.