Forests also store carbon. In fact, almost half a tree’s dry weight is carbon.  Forests store carbon in other areas of the forest besides trees.  These ‘carbon pools’ include the soil, dead wood, and leaf litter.  Carbon pools generally increase over time as the forest grows and develops. Natural disturbances such as wind disturbance and insects can reduce the carbon pools by killing trees.  

The decisions you make as a landowner also have significant influence over the amount in the carbon pools.  The most impactful step you can take to ensure your forest continues to mitigate climate change is to make sure your forest remains a forest in the future by planning its future through conservation-based estate planning.

The decisions you make about the type of forest management you implement also have an impact on the carbon in your forest.  Generally speaking, younger forests sequester more carbon than older forests, but older forests store more carbon than younger forests. Every forest management strategy has its tradeoffs; therefore, to meet all of society’s needs, we will ultimately need a mix of passive and active strategies across the region. 

Over the long run, promoting a resilient forest will help maintain your forest’s ability to mitigate climate change.

Learn more: Download "Forest Carbon: An essential natural solution to climate change" PDF (5 MB) below or request a free copy by e-mailing Paul Catanzaro.