Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Some of this carbon is stored as timber and some is lost during leaf shed, decay and respiration.
Carbon also enters the soil as root biomass and leaf mulch, some of which is captured there.
Forests capture and store carbon whilst establishing, once mature the amount of carbon taken in and released equalises.
At maturity it is important that the stored carbon in the timber is used and the forest replanted to start another cycle.
The amount of carbon dioxide retained by forestry grown in a mild temperate climate on relatively fertile sites such as ex pastureland is quantified at 9.5 tonnes of CO2 per acre per year over the 60 year life cycle (source US EPA)
Planting trees on land that was used for growing forage for cattle or sheep also eliminates the methane produced by the digestion of the forage. Typically one dairy cow emits 90Kg of methane per year and would be stocked on one acre. Methane is 21 times more effective as a Greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide so this saving is worth a further 1.9tonnes of CO2 per year.
Over a sixty year cycle an acre of forestry planted on pastureland would reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the equivalent of 650 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Our planting density is 1000 trees per acre giving a net GHG reduction per tree planted of 650Kg. Tree populations are thinned as establishment progresses but the figure of 650KG per tree planted is important.
How it happens
Tree planting has to be seasonal. Planting season is November to late February. Planting outside this window when soils are at less than optimum moisture content will see very poor establishment rates.
Our plantings are all pre planned to provide maximum usable timber to act as a long term carbon sink. We also make every effort to maximise wildlife habitats and minimise visual landscape impacts..
Because of the lead times this can involve, your trees may at certain times of the year not get planted for some months. OUR PROMISE TO YOU is that your trees are planted in the next available planting window. You will however receive a certificate declaring the trees you have paid for and the carbon footprint they will erase. Details of where your trees are planted will follow as soon as possible.
Why use us?
In order to ensure long term carbon capture on our planting sites erasemyfootprint undertakes to plant only on land which it either owns or where this is not possible has agreements with the landowners . This is a very important feature of our service and does set us apart from schemes involving carbon capture with no long term control over their projects.
We will not be involved in widespread, indiscriminate or inappropriate afforestation.
Our plantings are a mix of amenity woodland for wildlife and public access and commercial varieties for timber.
Our trees are weeded to avoid competition and any failing to establish are replanted to give strong uniform stands.
Visiting the young forest you help to establish is actively encouraged. Map references and directions are included with your "Welcome Pack" (consisting of a laminated display certificate, a letter setting out our commitment to plant the required number of trees, an information sheet giving details of "where you money goes" and a display disc for vehicles). We are hoping to arrange volunteer planting weekends for those wishing to experience back ache and frozen fingers. Details to follow.
We operate a 14 day cooling off period. If you decide that this is not something that you would like to pursue once you have paid then simply send back all the items from your welcome pack and we will provide you with a full, no questions asked refund.
