Introduction
When businesses choose to plant trees with Treeapp, they’re contributing to a carefully designed, science-led restoration process that generates real, lasting impact.
Treeapp’s planting projects operate in 20+ countries across five continents. From the start, we’ve focused on planting in the places that need it most; areas affected by deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation. We partner with local experts to develop projects that support specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to that region, from restoring life on land and improving water quality, to supporting decent work and building resilient communities.
But what exactly goes into the cost of planting a tree? Spoiler: it’s a lot more than just putting a seed in the ground.
In this blog, we break down the entire process, from site assessment and nursery prep to community involvement and long-term care, to give you full transparency behind the value of every tree you help fund.
Tree nursery - Lushoto, Tanzania
Understanding the Land
Our process begins with deep respect for the land and the people who know it best. Local planting teams and our board of forestry experts carry out detailed site assessments to understand the landscape’s natural regeneration potential. This includes analysing everything from existing biodiversity, soil composition, local wildlife and slope gradients to rainfall patterns and erosion risks. Drone imagery and satellite tools offer a wider perspective, helping us map the terrain and monitor long-term changes. All of this data shapes how we restore each site, and ensures that our work is guided by science, not guesswork.
Aerial footage - Paraiba, Brazil,
It’s a Community Effort
One of the most vital (and often overlooked) parts of our model is the role of local communities. From transporting seedlings by hand in mountainous regions and remote areas, to leading planting activities, we ensure the people closest to the land are directly involved. By sourcing seeds locally and growing saplings in local tree nurseries, our projects also avoid the hidden emissions that come from shipping planting materials across the globe, making our work not only more sustainable, but grounded in local knowledge. By providing training and employment opportunities for local residents, we create new economic opportunities, as well as support existing livelihoods. We even support environmental education for school children to build the next generation of forest stewards!
Students visiting the planting site - Lushoto, Tanzania
From Planning to Planting
This is where all that preparation pays off! While much of the work happens behind the scenes, planting day is where a significant portion of resources are focused. It typically involves bringing in experienced foresters to carry out planting with precision and care. We use region-specific methods to make sure each tree is set up for long-term success from the very start. Costs at this stage typically include the saplings themselves, protective tree guards to fend off grazing animals, and any equipment needed by the local planting team. It’s the moment where plans take root!
Planting in action - Mojanda, Ecuador
Looking After What We Plant
Planting is really only the beginning, what happens next is the most important part. In the first few years, young trees are at their most vulnerable, and that’s when monitoring and care are crucial. It’s a team effort, involving local planting teams, our in-house operations team, and our board of forestry experts. Using satellite imagery, on-the-ground inspections, and detailed reporting, we track survival rates and identify potential threats (like pests and human disturbances). We also control competing vegetation and ensure trees receive the water and nutrients they need to thrive.
Each project is designed with longevity in mind. We’re not planting high quantities for the sake of numbers, we’re creating thriving ecosystems that will continue to grow and evolve for decades to come.
Planting site - Paraiba, Brazil,
The Investment Behind Each Tree
When your business plants a tree with Treeapp, you’re funding far more than just the act of planting. Each contribution goes towards three key stages: preparation, planting, and post-planting monitoring. This includes growing healthy saplings in a nursery, transporting them to remote planting sites, and providing the necessary equipment to ensure successful planting and maintenance. It also supports fair labour costs, funding the local teams who prepare the land, plant the trees, and care for them as they grow. This transparent approach ensures your investment goes directly into creating meaningful, long-term impact.
Ready to Plant With Purpose?
If your business is looking to support reforestation in a way that’s impactful, measurable and fully customisable, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re building a sustainability strategy from the ground up or enhancing existing initiatives, Treeapp can help you plant trees where they’re needed most.
Get in touch with our team via the contact form below to explore how we can bring tree planting into your business operations.