How do we grow a new forest? Our scientific method explained

At WOWnature, we grow new forests and protect existing ones. We do this thanks to the support of citizens and companies who work with us, taking concrete action for nature. Our goal? To take care of natural ecosystems, generating positive impacts on biodiversity, water and soil, and helping to mitigate the ongoing climate and ecological crisis.

But how is a forest created and managed? What is the method that guides us?

Creating a forest: a multi-step process

Behind the growth of a forest lies a complex, multi-stage process. Each stage is crucial to ensuring the success of the project and achieving tangible results. Let’s look at the key steps together.

1. Identifying the area

The first phase is about understanding where to plant. Not all land is suitable for creating a forest, so it is essential to find the right area. We then sign an agreement with the landowner, whether a public or private entity, to clearly define the type of intervention and the safeguards for the future forest.

The positive impact of the trees will be collective regardless: it doesn’t matter whether they grow on public or private land, because they will absorb CO2, limit soil erosion and provide habitat for many animal species.

2. Technical design

Once the area has been identified, we move on to technical design. This phase is entrusted to a forestry expert who, based on the characteristics of the site and the goals of the project, determines the type of forest to create. If, for example, the goal is to restore an area damaged by natural disasters, species selection will aim to make the woodland more resilient. In other cases, melliferous species may be favoured to support pollinators, or forests that produce fruit and berries — known as “food forests” — may be created.

3. Species selection

Choosing the tree species is a crucial step. Every project has different needs, so it is essential to decide which species to plant, at what density, and how to arrange them on the land. Soil preparation and future maintenance activities are also defined at this stage. Subsequent care of the trees is, in fact, essential to ensure their growth.

4. Growing saplings in the nursery

While we design the intervention, the saplings are grown in nurseries. From selected seeds, often sourced from forests of high genetic value, the saplings grow until they reach a suitable height for planting. It usually takes at least 2 to 3 years for young plants to reach the 20-50 cm needed for transplanting.

5. Preparing the soil

Before planting, the soil must be prepared. In mountain settings, for example, it may be necessary to remove trees fallen due to storms or pests, while in lowland areas the soil might be enriched with nutrients or sown with useful grasses to prevent the spread of invasive plants.

6. Planting the new trees

Finally, the moment to plant arrives! However, not all times of year are ideal for doing so. In Italy, the best times are generally spring and autumn, depending on the area and temperatures. Planting a tree follows a precise procedure: a hole is dug deep enough to hold the roots, the plant is positioned upright, the hole is covered with soil, the roots are compacted, and any protections are added to prevent damage from animals or weeds.

7. Monitoring and maintenance

Planting is just the beginning. After planting, proper maintenance must be ensured, especially in the first few years. This includes constantly monitoring the area, mowing to reduce competition with other plants, watering during dry periods, and replacing saplings that do not survive. Once the trees are stable and self-sufficient, maintenance operations decrease significantly.

Conclusions

Growing a new forest is much more than planting trees: it is a long journey that requires technical expertise, continuous monitoring and a great deal of dedication. Our goal is to ensure a positive, lasting impact for the planet, making sure that every forest, once grown, becomes a healthy, self-sufficient ecosystem.