Why No Global Number Is Displayed
The previous planting estimate has been removed because we could not verify a primary source that measures a comparable worldwide total of trees planted by people. This is missing data, not evidence that no trees are planted. Reports from individual programmes cannot establish a global total.
Planting, Regeneration and Forest Expansion
Planting counts an activity. Natural regeneration describes trees growing without being planted. Forest expansion measures land becoming forest and can involve planting or natural processes. None of these measures can silently stand in for another.
FAO reports forest area in hectares, not a global count of planted seedlings. Read how tree cutting differs from deforestation. A comparison with trees removed also needs consistent scope, dates and survival information.
What a Future Counter Would Require
A primary source must establish global coverage, a reference period and a clear definition of planting, including whether it counts seedlings, seeds or surviving trees. Until a reliable comparable baseline is verified, this page remains available without a numeric counter or rate breakdown.