What the Numbers Mean

Offsetting 5,000 kg over 10 years at the average 22 kg/tree/yr rate needs about 23 trees — roughly 230 m² of new forest, absorbing 506 kg per year. Each tree captures 220 kg over the decade.

The Time Factor

Tree planting is a decades-long commitment: saplings take 10-20 years to reach peak absorption. That's why preserving existing mature forests matters more per hectare, and why offsets should come after cutting direct emissions. Diverse native forests beat monoculture plantations for both carbon and wildlife.