Afforestation vs. Reforestation — What's the Difference?

Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees (forestation) in an area where there was no previous tree cover. Many government and non-governmental organizations directly engage in afforestation programs to create forests and increase carbon capture.

Reforestation (occasionally, Reafforestation) is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands (forestation) that have been depleted, usually through deforestation, but also after clearcutting. Reforestation can be used to undo and rectify the effects of deforestation and improve the quality of human life by absorbing pollution and dust from the air, rebuilding natural habitats and ecosystems, mitigating global warming via biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and harvesting for resources, particularly timber, but also non-timber forest products.

To convert (open land) into a forest by planting trees or their seeds.

To replant (an area) with trees.

The act or process of creating a new forest where none had existed before, or reforestation of areas long deforested.

The act or process of replanting a forest, especially after clear-cutting.

The act of converting into forest or woodland.

Replanting with trees; reconversion into a forest; the act of reforesting.

The conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest (originally for the purpose of hunting)

The restoration (replanting) of a forest that had been reduced by fire or cutting