On average, a tree can capture over 250 kilograms of CO2 throughout its lifetime, but our conservative estimates consider 80 kilograms over the first 10 years. Our CO2 offset measurements varies by species and project.
The amount of CO2 a tree can capture varies significantly based on its species, as well as the soil and climate conditions where it is planted. Some regions, particularly tropical areas, are exceptionally well-suited for storing higher amounts of CO2 and doing so at a faster rate. Fast-growing species are especially effective at quickly capturing CO2, making them ideal candidates for carbon offset projects.
At Tree-Nation, we monitor over 300 species, with recorded CO2 capture values ranging from just a few kilograms to over a ton throughout a tree’s lifetime. While a tree will continue to sequester carbon throughout its life, the initial growth period is when carbon absorption is at its peak. To adhere to globally recognized standards, we only consider the first 20 years of a tree’s life, capping its total CO2 offset value accordingly.
Additionally, we limit all species' measurements to the first 10 years, aligning with peak absorption periods. While trees continue to absorb CO2 beyond this timeframe, our conservative estimates ensure that the offset figures provided are guaranteed. This means you can confidently claim the impact listed on your Tree-Nation certificates, knowing that the offsets are both reliable and verifiable.
On Tree-Nation, you can explore the estimated CO2 capture value for each species in every project. We encourage you to visit the 'Species' section within any project to discover the CO2 capture potential of each tree, along with its other unique characteristics.
For those interested in the specifics, you can dive deeper into our CO2 offset methodology by visiting our methodology section.