Tree planting code

We and our afforestation partners are committed to these rules

With the cooperation with ForTomorrow gGmbH, new German forests are planted to capture CO2 emissions. The 2017 carbon inventory shows that the German forest relieves the atmosphere of around 62 million tons of CO annually, which compensates around 7% of the CO2 emissions in the country. ForTomorrow offsets one tonne of CO2 emissions by planting five new trees. The result must be sustainable in the long-term through climate-resilient afforestation of new forest areas.

Our goals

  • Create forests with continuous cover and climate change resilient mixed forests in the long term and to promote the natural regeneration of the forest.
  • Guarantee that the forests consist of a mix containing at least 4 tree species, with 60% deciduous trees.
  • Minimize the number of single trees to be harvested and ensure that the removed wood is converted into long-lived wood products or another long-lasting use cycle where possible.

The following applies to all tree plantings supported by ForTomorrow

  • The areas for tree planting are subject to careful selection and are open to the public.
  • No later than at the establishment of the forest, the areas must be certified (FSC, Naturland, PEFC).
  • The planting leads to ecological enhancement and contributes to the development of climate change resilient forests with an expected variety of tree species, age and height structure in the future (continuous cover forestry).
  • Plantings are only carried out with site-adapted tree species, with a special focus on ecological value, the preservation and promotion of biological diversity and climate change adaptation.
  • Coniferous monocultures are not an option.
  • Only forest plants of guaranteed origin are used. Regional forest tree nurseries are used for procurement. For technical reasons, exceptions can be made, like bringing in other provenances.
  • The planting projects are carried out technically and organizationally by the experts of the partners named in our cooperation agreements.
  • The trees are only harvested when the target diameter has been met and only in single tree to groups. Schematic measures are not permitted. Exceptions: For regeneration measures, to create the continuous cover forest structure as well as thinning measures necessary for stand stability.
  • Special harvests due to unforeseen events must always be discussed with ForTomorrow.
  • After planting, the forest owner ensures protection and maintenance of the initial afforestation area in accordance with the respective state forest laws. In addition, it must be ensured that appropriate compensatory measures take place from a deviation of 15% of the usual stocking rate.
  • Without the funding from ForTomorrow, the measure could not be implemented to this extent or in this form. The following aspects are to be considered as additional:
    • Moving away from business-as-usual and promoting continuous cover forest structures.
    • To convert wood from the forests created by this measure into a long-term carbon cycle.
    • Minimum requirement of 60% deciduous trees.
  • If the required measures by this code are not met, ForTomorrow may reclaim the funds paid or demand that the forest is restored to its condition prior to the damaging event.

The following must be guaranteed for the projects with ForTomorrow

  • All legal requirements as well as the above planting code must be complied with.
  • Double funding, for example with additional state funds, is not allowed. If carbon credits may be generated from the forest established this way, ForTomorrow gGmbH is entitled to them entirely.
  • It is not a legally required, so-called compensation or replacement measure as compensation for the loss of forest after interventions in nature, forest or landscape.

With the support of ForTomorrow, forest owners agree to the following

  • Publicly accessible forest experience days and planting campaigns in the forest concerned after consultation with and planned by ForTomorrow.
  • Upon request: the obligation to comprehensively document the planting, preparatory work and the development of the culture towards ForTomorrow for at least 5 years.
  • External and independent monitoring through ForTomorrow’s partnerships.

Save the tree planting code as PDF

Last updated: February 2023