Trees growing much faster than natural forests
China’s Great Green Wall project has planted around 66 billion trees since 1978 to help slow the expansion of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts, reduce soil erosion, and restore degraded land. It is set to expand even further – plans are underway to plant 34 billion more trees by the middle of the century.
Trees in China’s sprawling Great Green Wall project are growing faster than those in natural forests, according to a new study by Chinese scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
The researchers say that China has experienced a notable increase in the density of its forest foliage, largely due to planted forest expansion and natural forest conservation.
However, they said “it has remained uncertain how planted and natural forests respond differently to global environmental changes, e.g. rising carbon dioxide (CO2), as the former grow and the latter age”.
Using satellite data, the study found that planted forests increased their leaf area about ∼66% faster than natural forests across China. After accounting for factors such as forest age, climate, and tree species, the planted forests still grew about 4.6% faster than natural forests. This difference was largest in mixed and evergreen forests.
Researchers say the rapid growth is largely due to the forests being relatively young, the use of fast-growing tree species such as poplar and eucalyptus, and active forest management.
However, this extra CO2-driven growth decreases noticeably after about 40 years of age. While natural forests eventually catch up in some growth measures—typically between 21 and 53 years—planted forests exhibit a stronger initial advantage due to their younger age (34 vs. 57 years) and greater sensitivity to CO2.
The faster growth may allow these younger forests to absorb CO₂ more rapidly during their early decades of growth. However, they also emphasize that natural forests remain essential for long-term carbon storage, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems.
On a national scale, the Great Green Wall program links to China’s long term climate and energy goals. As the country pledges to peak carbon emissions and expand renewables, it also sees forests as giant carbon sinks.
Planted forests now account for about 7% of the world’s forest cover, making them an increasingly important part of global reforestation efforts.
The Chinese scienists say that their research findings “highlight how planted forests help absorb carbon from the air and support climate action. They also provide useful insights for improving climate and ecosystem models in the future.”
Sources:
Geographical, July 6, 2026. https://geographical.co.uk/news/the-booming-growth-of-66-billion-trees-on-chinas-great-green-wall
Geophysical Research Letters, May 28, 2026. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL121544
DBRD University News, January 15, 2026. https://www.drbrau.in/china-great-green-wall-desertification/
Video: CGTN, June 18, 2023. https://youtu.be/FrV_N8KUuKU
