However, a new study highlights a shortage of tree seedlings in the US<\/a>, where a chronic lack of seedlings obstructs planting targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The research, which has implications for global reforestation efforts, is published in Bioscience <\/em>and calls for greater species diversification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the study, 13 scientists scrutinised 605 plant nurseries across 20 northern states. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Only 56 of them \u2013 or less than 10% \u2013 grow and sell seedlings in the volumes required for conservation and reforestation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The team, led by Peter Clark, a forest ecologist at the University of Vermont and the study’s lead author, discovered that forest nurseries often maintain a limited inventory of a select few species of trees<\/a>, mainly focusing on trees valued for commercial timber production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This has resulted in nurseries suffering from an “overwhelming scarcity of seedlings” well-suited for climate plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clark stated, “Despite the excitement and novelty of that idea in many policy and philanthropy circles \u2013 when push comes to shove, it’s very challenging to find either the species or the seed sources needed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/University-of-Vermont-forest-scientists-Peter-Clark-and-Tony-DAmato-at-a-UVM-experimental-forest.-Photo-Joshua-Brown-Wood-Central-1024x526.jpg\")
An overwhelming scarcity of seedlings.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n