What is the process of planting trees to replace those that have been harvested called?

The process of planting trees to replace those that have been harvested is referred to as reforestation. This term is specifically used when discussing the re-establishment of tree cover in areas where trees have been cut down or otherwise removed, allowing for the restoration of forests. Reforestation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, combating climate change, and supporting wildlife habitats after logging or natural disasters.

In contrast, afforestation refers to planting trees in areas that were not previously forested, effectively creating new forested areas. Deforestation, on the other hand, is the act of clearing forests, which can lead to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. Reclamation involves restoring land that has been disturbed or degraded, often due to human activity, but does not specifically focus on the replenishment of tree cover like reforestation does. Thus, reforestation clearly aligns with the act of planting trees to replace those that have been harvested.