Scientists have developed a tree growth acceleration method that uses natural fungi to boost forest growth by 30%.
A breakthrough in tree growth acceleration could transform how we fight climate change through reforestation. The Arbor Day Foundation has invested in technology that restores beneficial fungi to forest soils, potentially removing millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over the next decade by helping trees grow stronger and faster.
The tree growth acceleration technology, developed by Texas-based startup Funga PBC, works by returning native fungal communities to tree roots before planting. These essential fungi were naturally present in forest soils but have vanished due to modern land management practices, including intensive agriculture, chemical use, and soil disruption.
How Trees and Fungi Work Together
Trees and fungi form a vital partnership in healthy forests that scientists have studied for decades. Fungi create vast underground networks of microscopic threads called mycelium around tree roots. These fungal networks help trees absorb water and crucial nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from the soil.
In return, trees share up to 30% of the sugars they make through photosynthesis with their fungal partners. This exchange has evolved over millions of years, creating what scientists call a “mycorrhizal network” – essentially an underground internet for forests.
These networks connect trees of different species, allowing them to share resources. Older, larger trees often support younger saplings through these fungal connections. Some scientists have found evidence that trees use these networks to warn each other about pest attacks and drought.
The Technology Behind Tree Growth Acceleration
Funga’s approach starts with advanced DNA sequencing of soil samples from healthy, old-growth forests. This creates a map of which fungal species should be present in different forest types and climates.
The company then cultivates these specific fungi in their laboratory. Young tree seedlings are inoculated with the appropriate fungal mixture before being planted in the forest. This ensures each tree has its natural fungal partners from day one.
Early tree growth acceleration test results have exceeded expectations. Trees grown with restored fungal communities demonstrate significantly faster growth rates, reaching up to 30% above normal growth patterns. The treated trees also show markedly higher survival rates after planting in forest environments. Their resistance to drought conditions has improved substantially, while nutrient uptake efficiency has increased notably. Perhaps most importantly, these trees develop stronger, more extensive root systems that better anchor them against environmental stresses.
Carbon Capture Impact
The accelerated tree growth has significant implications for fighting climate change. According to Funga’s field trials, forests with restored fungal communities can capture up to 40% more carbon dioxide annually compared to conventional plantings.
To put this in perspective, a typical acre of mature forest absorbs approximately 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide each year. When enhanced with tree growth acceleration technology, that same acre can capture 3.5 tons annually. Across Funga’s current 6,500 treated acres, this results in an additional 6,500 tons of carbon dioxide absorbed every year. This increased absorption equals the emissions from approximately 1,400 cars being removed from the road annually.
The Forest Microbiome
Just as scientists have discovered the importance of gut bacteria in human health, they’re now understanding how crucial the “forest microbiome” is to tree health. A single teaspoon of healthy forest soil contains an intricate network of fungal threads stretching for miles. These microscopic passages house billions of beneficial bacteria. Within this tiny sample, thousands of different species work together in a complex ecosystem.
Modern forestry practices often overlook this invisible ecosystem. “We’ve been planting trees without their fungal partners for too long,” says Dr. Colin Averill, Founder and CEO of Funga. “It’s like expecting them to thrive with one arm tied behind their back.”
Investment and Future Plans
The Arbor Day Foundation’s investment comes through their Impact Fund, which supports innovative solutions in forestry. “We need to find new ways to solve Earth’s biggest problems,” says Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Funga’s method could create planet-shaping impact.”
See also: Mush-Rooms: How Mycelium Concrete Could Revolutionize Building Construction
The company has developed an ambitious expansion strategy for the coming years. They plan to extend their treatment to 20,000 acres by 2026. Their research teams are working to develop region-specific fungal communities that optimize growth in different climates. They’re actively pursuing partnerships with major forestry companies to scale their impact. Additionally, they’re planning to establish a network of fungal cultivation facilities to meet growing demand.
Long-term Success
Early monitoring shows treated forests maintain their accelerated growth rates. The fungal networks establish themselves and spread to neighboring trees, potentially creating self-sustaining ecosystems that more closely resemble natural forests.
The Arbor Day Foundation, based in Lincoln, Nebraska, has planted more than 500 million trees over the past 50 years. Organizations interested in receiving funding for innovative forestry solutions can learn more at arborday.org/impact-fund.
