What would happen if trees were planted within a few hundred meters of the edge of a desert. If that process was continued and we chose trees that thrive in that climate, could we reforest a desert?
Kano
Favorite Answer
It is being done now in the Sahel, it is succeeding slowly.
https://youtu.be/htgtuAWcWMQ
james
In some deserts yes it can be done. Much depends on how deep ground water is. Trees can be planted then watered till the roots go deep enough to reach water. This could be done in much of Arizona, New Mexico. Were there is a high water table. Texas. But were water is deep no. Then what do you do with the trees? Most are a soft wood for this. Slow growth. Now if you can develop a grass were the roots go down 20 to 50 foot. You are onto something as cattle land.
Climate Realist
Without irrigation, the trees will whither and die.
With irrigation, you will have a windbreak. The desert will still be dry.
JimZ
When you say "re" forest, that suggests that forests were there before which isn't always the case. It seems to be popular to favor a forest over environments. I have lived in South Dakota at the edge of grasslands and the forest. I usually preferred the forest but I still love the grasslands. I lived in Phoenix (Mesa) for a couple months and grew to love the desert there. There are lots of cool plants and animals in that environment. Rather than necessarily planting trees, I would support protecting the natural environment in most cases, whether it be desert, forest, grassland or whatever.
Anonymous
yes