At one time, tree planting was as simple as digging a hole and picking up a
shovel. In the modern era, greater science has given us greater insight into the
immense power of trees to boost
climate,
human
and ecosystem resilience —
consequently changing our approach to planting them. Now, before we ever pick up
a shovel, we’ve gathered data and research that helps us ensure we’re planting
the right trees in the right
places
to do the most good for people and the planet.
Still, we know our current methodologies might one day change again — so,
innovation and invention are key to widening the impact of tree planting. That’s
why, at the Arbor Day Foundation, we felt a
responsibility to be a leading driver of progress. Our Impact
Fund, launched in
2024,
was created to empower changemakers with the resources they need to bring
groundbreaking, nature-based solutions to our interconnected global
crises to fruition.
We’re excited to announce that our most recent investment will support a new
technology that makes trees grow faster.
Developed by Austin, Texas-based startup Funga
PBC, the technology taps into the underground
microbiome and uses fungi to supercharge tree growth. Essentially, Funga uses
advanced tools to study soil samples and identify where forest fungal
microbiomes have been severely degraded over time by careless land-management
practices. Funga’s data platform then identifies a wild, biodiverse fungal
community that best reflects the native fungal community of the depleted area;
then, they reintroduce this fungal community to young tree seedlings while
they're still in the nursery — allowing the fungi to establish on the tree's
roots before planting.
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When trees are reconnected with these symbiotic partners underground, they can
better access growth-promoting resources in the soil. Early
results
have shown that Funga’s inoculants can increase survival rates and boost tree
growth by an average of 30 percent. It's incredible work that has the potential
to accelerate our world’s access to healthy forests and the many benefits they
provide.
In the face of mounting climate challenges, there’s a tremendous urgency to grow
forests as a way of supporting biodiversity and water quality, and slowing the
impacts of increasingly high temperatures. By embracing science-driven
approaches such as Funga’s method, we can enhance the effectiveness of
reforestation and foster more resilient ecosystems that can stand up to the
challenges of the future.
Over the last five decades, how the Arbor Day Foundation plants trees has
evolved. But our purpose has always stayed the same: We want to make our world
better with trees.
We’re excited to partner with innovators like Funga and support them in their
mission to replenish the power of nature to cultivate a thriving future for us
all.
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Dan Lambe is the president of the Arbor Day Foundation, an organization founded in 1972 that has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees.
Published Apr 18, 2025 8am EDT / 5am PDT / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST