Typing "plant a tree" into Google gives you thousands of options and many confident promises. The challenge is not finding a company. The real challenge is choosing one that still looks credible when someone asks you directly:
"How do you know those trees will survive and really help?"

This guide will help you make a decision that is easy to understand and well justified.

Let's start with an uncomfortable truth

Tree planting can have great benefits. At the same time, poorly planned projects can damage biodiversity, waste resources, and even have negative impacts in the worst case.

Scientific studies and conservation organizations therefore repeatedly emphasize that tree planting projects must be both people-centered and ecologically appropriate.

A reputable company will therefore not present tree planting as a miracle cure. It will show that it's careful, long-term work.

7 things a credible tree planting company should show you

1) Exact project locations and context

You should be able to answer these questions:

• In which country and region does the project take place?

• What ecosystem type is it?

• Why was this specific location chosen?

If the "why here?" cannot be clearly explained, it's worth taking a closer look.

2) Selection of tree species, and whether they are native or suitable

Credible projects prefer native tree species when this makes ecological sense. They also avoid non-native species by default.

Important guidelines consistently emphasize the principle: the right tree species in the right place for the right purpose.

3) Goals for biodiversity, not just tree numbers

A credible project talks about more than just numbers. For example:

• Planting with various tree species

• Habitats for animals and plants

• Improvements for soil and water

• Development of a stable forest structure over time

Monocultures can make sense for timber production in some cases, but they do not replace the restoration of natural ecosystems.

4) Aftercare and strategy for high survival rates

Planting trees is the easy part. The real impact comes from long-term care.

Questions you should ask:

• Who waters, maintains, and protects the young trees?

• How long does this care continue?

• What survival rate is targeted and how is it measured?

5) Collaboration with local communities

The best projects are not short-term external interventions. They create jobs, knowledge, and long-term engagement on site.

That's why international ecosystem restoration programs repeatedly stress that projects should both promote biodiversity and strengthen human well-being.

6) Clear standards or independent frameworks

If a company mentions certifications, you should ask which ones exactly.

Credible programs follow recognized standards like the Gold Standard for land use and forestry projects.

7) Honest communication about limitations

Credible companies openly say:

• Tree planting does not replace emissions reduction

• Some areas should regenerate naturally

• The goal is resilient ecosystems, not complete control

This honesty is an important trust signal.

Red flags you should watch out for

• “We plant everywhere.”

• “We plant only one species because it's efficient.”

• “We don't share our locations for data protection reasons.”

• No information about tree care

• Impact is shown only as the number of trees planted

Where Grow My Tree comes in

Grow My Tree was developed for people who want to support tree planting projects they can truly stand behind.

Our focus is on:

• Thoughtful site and species selection

• Transparency and traceability

• Measurable results that go beyond mere promises

Choosing a tree planting company doesn't mean finding the cheapest tree. It means supporting a project that respects ecosystems, strengthens local communities, and communicates results transparently.

With love from the trees,
Dr. Hannah Schragmann