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Many of Burundi's lower mountain forests, also known as the East African montane forests, have been stripped of their needle-leaved and evergreen species.

The use of improper agricultural planes and terraces, the overharvesting of tree products and the growing need for firewood have caused a decline in soil fertility. Steep slopes and frequent rainfall exacerbate the problem of the leaching of soils; the removal of water-soluble nutrients from the ground.

The majority of Burundians live on small-scale food crops such as sorghum and maize. To revitalise forest cover in lowlands and to stabilize soil in affected areas, Treeapp plants in the Bubanza province, which is dominated by lowland forest and mixed agricultural land. Pine trees are especially suitable for erosion control in this area as their roots hold soil in place and the numerous pine needles soften the impact of rain and flash floods.

Many seedlings here are planted in biodegradable bags made from banana peels in order to establish plastic-free tree nurseries. Such practices are taught to the local community and in schools in order for the local community to become successful stewards of the forests in the future.