Something that confuses me. This (and also other) discussions of afforestation focus on planting trees (converting non-forest biomes into forest). But it seems like trees do a reasonably good job of spreading themselves; why not instead go to existing forests, cut down and bury any trees that are past their peak growth phase, and let the remaining trees plant the replacements? How much does the cutting and burial itself cost? (I see an estimate of $50/t for burying crop residues, which seems like it would be similar.)
Something that confuses me. This (and also other) discussions of afforestation focus on planting trees (converting non-forest biomes into forest). But it seems like trees do a reasonably good job of spreading themselves; why not instead go to existing forests, cut down and bury any trees that are past their peak growth phase, and let the remaining trees plant the replacements? How much does the cutting and burial itself cost? (I see an estimate of $50/t for burying crop residues, which seems like it would be similar.)