How Do I Select The 'Right' Tree Species?

There is no universal guidance on selecting the perfect tree species for a restoration project. The TerraFund team asks restoration champions to choose species that are well suited to the landscape in which the project is working, contribute to the project's overall goals, and directly benefit communities.

The TerraFund team will not disqualify any proposed project based on the proposed species alone, unless they propose to grow invasive species or establish monoculture plantations. Projects that plant a diverse mix of native species and/or appropriate exotic trees that directly benefit communities are especially welcome.

Below are some of the key items that champions should consider when selecting the species for their project:

• Landscape Priorities for Restoration: The selected tree species should be those that most effectively combat the specific land degradation challenges in the project area.
• Restoration Interventions: Certain tree species work well when using certain restoration interventions to restore land. For example, a mangrove restoration project should not include "pine" as a proposed species.
• Locally Endangered Species: Project developers should consider planting locally endangered tree species and/or species that have a strong biodiversity value.
• Community Engagement: Project developers should engage local communities to determine the trees that they want to plant. When the tree species match what community members want, e.g.,   food, fiber, or fuel, they are incentivized to maintain the growing saplings.
• Ecosystem Services: Restoration projects should target tree species that improve the functionality of the ecosystem. For example, when trees are grown in riparian areas that are prone to erosion, their roots can lock the soil in place and keep rivers clean.

Guidance on how to select the right species for projects

Here is some detailed guidance to consider.

1. Ecological Appropriateness

Check if the species is suitable for the site's biophysical condition.

Look at:

• Native vs. Exotic: Prioritize native or naturalized species
• Adaptation: Tolerant to local rainfall, soil type, altitude, and temperature
• Ecological function: Species that prioritize soil stability, water retention, canopy cover, and biodiversity
• Successional stage: Representaion from both pioneer (early colonizers) and climax species

Pay attention to:

• Invasive or aggressive exotics (e.g., Prosopis juliflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia meansii)
• Poor fit with the altitude or agroecological zone

2. Restoration Purpose

Assess if the tree species proposed by the project will fit the restoration purpose of the project. Each proposed species should have a clear justification tied to at least one goal.

Check aspects such as:

• Soil restoration: e.g., Faidherbia albida, Alnus acuminata,
• Watershed/riparian protection: e.g., Syzygium guineense, Bridelia micrantha
• Carbon sequestration: Long-lived, woody species with high biomass
• Biodiversity recovery: Host species for birds, insects, undergrowth
• Agroforestry systems: Compatibility with crops, seasonal leaf fall, light filtering

3. Socioeconomic Relevance

Assess whether the species respond to local needs and preferences.

Consider tree species that offer:

• Local use (fuelwood, fodder, food, medicine, timber)
• Cultural or traditional importance
• Market potential for non-timber forest products (NTFPs)
• Acceptability to women, youth, indigenous groups

4. Diversity and Functional Balance

Look at how the species support ecological resilience and community benefits. Consider growing 3-5+ species per site, combining restoration and livelihood functions.

Check:

• Mix of functional types: Nitrogen fixers, fast growers, shade providers, economic trees
• Canopy structure: Vertical diversity (overstory + understory)
• No monoculture planting, especially of grevillea or eucalyptus species

5. Propagation Feasibility

Assess whether the proposed tree species can be sourced and propagated locally.

Look at:

• Local seed/seedling availability (from community nurseries or seed banks)
• Germination rate and nursery performance, especially for rare species
• Community knowledge and willingness to manage and maintain seedlings
• Technical challenges (e.g., recalcitrant seeds, long dormancy)

6. Potential Risks

It is important to assess whether any proposed species poses any ecological or social risks.

Assess:

• Invasiveness or suppression of other vegetation
• Allelopathic effects (e.g., Grevillea robusta can inhibit the growth of crops)
• Over-dominance of a few species, leading to reduced biodiversity
• Conflict with grazing patterns or water use

Helpful Resources

Here are some useful links that can help champions select the right species for the projects.

• Use IUCN’s Global Invasive Species Database or national forestry department lists to determine if a species is known to be invasive.
• Use CIFOR-ICRAF's Interactive Suitable Tree Species Selection and Management Tool for East Africa to determine which native and suitable exotic species are appropriate. The database includes the scientific name, local name, niche, and associated ecological services and products.
• Use CIFOR-ICRAF’s Africa Tree Finder to show data on the distribution of indigenous tree species in different natural vegetation types, combined with information on the products and services that the tree species can provide.

Example Table

Champions can create simple tables to keep track of the species that they choose. See below for an example.

Species Name	Native/Exotic	Purpose	Ecological Fit	Livelihood Use	Red Flags
Markhamia lutea	Native	Soil stabilization	High	Timber/Fuel	Wind-susceptible
Grevillea robusta	Exotic	Agroforestry shade	Moderate	Timber	Allelopathic
Ficus thonningii	Native	Biodiversity + carbon	High	Cultural use	Attracts wildlife (context-specific)
Leucaena diversifolia, Callaindra calothyrsus	Exotic	Fodder, nitrogen fixer	Moderate	Fodder	Invasive risk