faq

Grow-Trees.com is a purpose-driven social enterprise that offers the unique Greet with Trees® service, enabling individuals and organizations to celebrate special moments in a meaningful way. By planting trees on behalf of family, friends, or employees, we help turn celebrations into lasting legacies. Our tree-planting projects, set across India, Tanzania, Uganda, and Indonesia, not only honor these cherished occasions but also support local livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.

Grow Trees is a Social Enterprise, a business model that prioritizes positive social and environmental impact alongside financial sustainability. We reinvest our surplus for the capacity building and community-improvement initiatives apart from tree plantation activities. The founders have supported it with their own funds when required and do not take any fees, charges, remuneration, dividends, etc from the company; the founders also allow the use of their office for no rental charge.

Grow-Trees.com is dedicated to sustainable tree planting by involving local communities throughout the entire process. We engage local community people to establish nurseries and work closely with community members to identify suitable planting sites, including public lands, wildlife habitats, and communal holy places. This collaborative approach allows us to nurture the young saplings during their critical infancy stage, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the region's ecological health. By empowering local communities, we strengthen their livelihoods and ensure the long-term success of our tree-planting initiatives.

www.Grow-Trees.com is a social enterprise launched and dedicated to the Planet on World Environment Day, June 5, 2010. It has been recognized as the Official Partner of the United Nations Environment Program's Billion Tree Campaign and WWF's Cities for Forests Campaign, by the Power of Ideas Competition of Economic Times- Department of Science & Technology- Center for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (from 14,000 participants), by Action for India Silicon Valley Challenge, by the YPO-WPO (a global organization of 24,000 CEOs) Global Impact Committee, with the TSS Social Enterprise Award at the TiE Sustainability Summit 2021 (from 30,000 registered enterprises), as the US Consul's EcoHeroes, by Harvard Business School Alumni Bulletin, by Haverford College, as a Top Innovator at Uplink 2024 (a World Economic Forum initiative), and with an award at Eternal's Sustainability Summit, 2025. It is a pioneer in web-enabled tree-planting, in the "Greet with Trees®" model, in getting plantations audited by independent auditors, in offering the TreeBank® facility, in giving a unique TreeCertficate® number, in creating thematic projects such as Trees for Tigers®.

Grow-Trees.com has developed more than 153 projects across 25 states, and 1 union territory in India including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, among others. This wide distribution allows us to address various ecological and community needs effectively. We are also excited to have developed projects in Indonesia, Tanzania, and Uganda. This expansion reflects our commitment to global reforestation and environmental sustainability, as we strive to make a positive impact beyond India’s borders. For more details about our specific projects and locations, please feel free to reach out or visit our projects page!

Grow-Trees.com has planted over 22 million trees, generating approximately 1.84 million + days of employment and achieving an impressive 445.26million+ kg of CO₂ absorption per year. These efforts not only contribute significantly to restoring ecosystems but also play a crucial role in improving wildlife habitats and rejuvenating rivers.
By engaging local communities in these projects, we ensure their socio-economic sustainability, creating a positive impact that extends beyond environmental restoration. On average, each tree offsets 20+ kg of carbon and produces 118+ kg of oxygen annually, effectively reversing the effects of adverse climatic conditions and natural phenomena. Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to encouraging both ecological health and community well-being.

To help you track the progress of your trees, Grow-Trees.com conducts independent audits of our planting sites after 12 to 18 months of the plantation. These audits are crucial for verifying the integrity of our projects. Qualified third-party auditors physically check the number of saplings planted, including their species, and reconcile this with our financial records. They engage with local communities to assess their involvement and study the mortality rates of the trees.
The auditors provide a comprehensive evaluation of the plantation project, assuring you that your trees have been planted and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and accountability.

Please follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook pages to know about our latest updates. We also update supporters through our Website (Photos, Blog, Project Page), and monthly Newsletters. To subscribe to our Newsletter, click here.

Yes! You can easily track the location of your trees using the "Locate Tree Project" feature on our website, which allows you to view the project area where your tree has been planted via Google Maps. Additionally, for our adoption model for companies and individuals, we are happy to arrange an assisted site visit. We are committed to keeping you connected with the impact of your contribution. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance or information!

At present, we offer users the opportunity to plant trees within our existing project locations only. However, you do have the option to choose which specific project you would like to contribute to. This ensures that your efforts are directed toward established initiatives, while still allowing you some flexibility in supporting a cause that resonates with you. For our corporate partners, if the size of the plantation is sizable, we are open to discussing taking up the plantation projects, both the forestry model and the Miyawaki model at the location of your choice. Please reach out to us to discuss further.

The types of trees planted are determined by the agro-climatic conditions and their benefits, including flowers, fruits, fodder, fuel, and non-timber forest products, for the local community as well as for the insects, birds, and animals in the specific project area. All tree species selected are local to the planting site, ensuring they thrive in the local ecosystem. For instance, we often plant species such as teak, neem, mango, and various indigenous fruit trees, which contribute to biodiversity and provide essential resources for both wildlife and local residents. To learn more about our tree-planting initiatives and the specific species we use, please click here.

While you are welcome to select a project for your tree planting contribution, the specific species of trees planted are determined by our experienced staff and community needs. They possess extensive local knowledge and expertise, enabling them to identify which tree species are best suited for the agro-climatic conditions of the region. This approach ensures that the trees planted will thrive in their natural environment and contribute effectively to local biodiversity.

The planting process is carefully organized to maximize the chances of survival for each sapling. Initially, a nursery is established, where saplings are nurtured until they are ready for planting. The actual planting occurs during the Indian monsoon season, specifically from July to September. This timing is crucial, as the monsoon rains provide the necessary moisture to help the young trees establish themselves and enhance their survivability in the long term.

Our Planting Partners have a wealth of experience in ensuring the survivability of the trees they plant. They follow a best practice approach by planting a new tree for every tree that does not survive its first year. However, it is essential to acknowledge that all life on Earth is inherently fragile. As such, we cannot provide an unconditional guarantee of survival for every tree planted, as various environmental factors can influence their success.

While it is not feasible to link an individual to a specific tree, we provide a tracking certificate number that allows you to monitor the project's location. Trees are planted on public lands, forest lands, or marginal farmers’ land, ensuring that they benefit both the environment and the local communities, who are responsible for their maintenance. Additionally, you can connect with our projects virtually using the Locate Tree Project feature on Google Maps, allowing you to see the impact of your contribution.

The trees we plant are established on government, community/public land or marginal farmers’ land, which allows for the greatest benefit to the largest number of people. Therefore, the tree belongs to the community that reaps the rewards of its planting. Your contribution represents a gift to society and the planet, promoting communal welfare. Neither Grow-Trees.com nor our financial supporters hold ownership of the trees planted, as the focus is on collective benefit.

No, Grow-Trees.com does not engage in the sale of tree saplings. Our primary mission is to facilitate tree-planting initiatives that benefit the environment and local communities, rather than to sell individual saplings. Through our projects, we aim to promote reforestation and ecological restoration on a larger scale, contributing to the health of our planet.

No, it is not necessary to create an account on Grow-Trees.com to purchase or gift trees; you may proceed seamlessly without one. However, we encourage you to consider creating a lifetime account to enhance your experience. An account allows you to store trees in your unique TreeBank™ for future gifting, offering a simple way to plan and schedule tree gifts whenever you wish. It also provides access to your planting and gifting history, enabling you to track and celebrate your contributions towards spreading greenery.

The Greet with Trees® initiative offers two distinct options for individuals looking to honor someone special through tree planting.

Option 1: One-to-One and One-to-Many
In this scenario, an individual, referred to as the Sender, has the opportunity to plant one or multiple trees in recognition of a friend, family member, colleague, or any other individual (the Recipient). This gesture can be in celebration of significant events such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion. To complete this process, the Sender selects an eTreeCertificate® template, fills in the necessary details, and completes the payment online. Once the transaction is finalized, the Recipient will receive the eTreeCertificate® via email on the date specified by the Sender.

Option 2: Many to One (Grove/Group Greeting)

Private Grove
A Private Grove allows an individual, known as the Grove Initiator, to plant a minimum of 10 trees and then invite others, referred to as Invitees, via email ro by sharing on their social media handles to contribute by planting additional trees in the same Grove. This collective effort honors a Recipient, similar to the one mentioned in option 1, celebrating milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, special achievements, and so on. When initiating a Grove, the Grove Initiator is required to set an end date for contributions. Until this date arrives, Invitees can plant trees and leave messages or wishes for the Recipient on the Grove Page. Once the end date has passed, the Recipient will receive an eTreeCertificate® detailing the number of trees planted, along with the wishes and comments shared by the Invitees. Importantly, the number of trees contributed by each Invitee will remain confidential, visible only to the Recipient and the Grove Initiator.

Public Grove
A Public Grove can be established in the same manner as a Private Grove. Unlike Private Groves, a Public Grove is accessible to everyone through our website and anyone visiting the View Groves page can see the public groves listed. This means that anyone, referred to as a Planter, can visit the Grove Page on our website plant trees, and send their message and wishes. In this setting, the number of trees planted by each individual is visible to all other Planters and the Recipient(s). Furthermore, the names of all Planters will be organized alphabetically on the certificate, ensuring transparency and community engagement.

Absolutely! The Grove option is a wonderful way to facilitate tree planting for your upcoming celebrations, whether it's a wedding, anniversary, or birthday. By initiating a Grove, you can plant a minimum of 10 trees and invite your family and friends via email to join in. They can visit your Grove Page to plant additional trees and leave heartfelt comments or wishes. This collaborative effort not only honors you but also contributes to a meaningful cause.

A Memorial Grove at Grow-Trees.com is a unique way to honor and remember your loved ones by planting a grove of trees in their name. Each tree will contribute to reforestation efforts and provide essential resources such as flowers, fruits, fodder, and fuel to communities and wildlife for generations to come.

How to Start a Memorial Grove:

• Choose Your Theme:
  Select from our thematic projects, such as Trees for Tigers®, Trees for Elephants®, or Trees for Villagers™, to align your Memorial Grove with a cause that resonates with you.
• Personalize Your Tribute:
  You can include a photo and a brief biography of your loved one, making the tribute personal and heartfelt.
• Invite Friends and Family:
  Encourage others to join you in honoring the departed. If they plant trees in Memorial Grove during the designated planting period, their tributes will also be included in the eTreeCertificate® you receive.
• Enjoy a Lasting Tribute:
  Unlike traditional memorials, which may only last a short time, your Memorial Grove will remain indefinitely on the Grow-Trees.com website. Each tree planted will continuously provide benefits to the environment and communities.

Not at all! While gifting a tree is a popular and thoughtful way to celebrate special occasions, it is by no means the only reason to plant a tree. You can choose to offset your carbon footprint by planting trees and receive an eTreeCertificate® for your contribution. Alternatively, you can store the trees in your personal TreeBank™ for future use, allowing you to decide how and when you wish to dedicate them later.

An eTreeCertificate® is a thoughtful digital gift that not only symbolizes your sentiments but also contributes positively to the environment. With every tree planted in honor of a special person or occasion, you will receive an eTreeCertificate® that allows you to send a personalized message of up to 130 characters. This unique gesture can commemorate a variety of significant events, including birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, and other celebrations, making it a versatile and meaningful way to express your feelings. Each eTreeCertificate® serves as a reminder of the living legacy created through tree planting, promoting a sense of connection to nature while honoring the milestones and memories of loved ones. Once the tree is successfully planted, this digital certificate is sent to the recipient, creating a lasting impact both for them and for the planet.

Your eTreeCertificate® will be sent immediately after we receive successful confirmation from the payment gateway. If you wish to set a specific date for its delivery, you can opt for a post-date. In that case, your eTreeCertificate® will be sent at 05:00 hours Indian Standard Time (IST) on the chosen date. Please remember that IST operates at GMT +5:30 hours. If you experience any technical difficulties that delay the sending of your eTreeCertificate®, feel free to reach out to us at info@grow-trees.com for assistance.

Once your eTreeCertificate® is sent to the designated recipient(s), you will receive an automated email notification from our server confirming the delivery. Additionally, you can choose to enter your email address during the gifting process to receive a copy of the certificate for your own records.

Currently, our website does not support the option for physical certificate delivery. However, you can easily create a physical copy yourself. You have two simple options: First, enter your own email address in the recipient’s email field, which will allow you to receive the certificate directly. You can then download and print it at your convenience (We kindly suggest printing the certificates thoughtfully on recycled paper.). Alternatively, if you want to access your planting history, you can log into the My Account section of our website and print your eTreeCertificate® from there. If you are not yet a member, signing up is quick and easy, and all your previous transactions will be available in the My Account > History section.

Yes, you absolutely can! You have the option to upload a personal photo or your company logo to your eTreeCertificate®. This feature allows you to create co-branded eTreeCertificates® for clients, employees, or dealers, adding a unique touch to your greetings. Whether you are sending a heartfelt message to family and friends or making a professional gesture, including a picture enhances the personal connection.

If you realize that you have entered an incorrect email address for the recipient of your eTreeCertificate®, you can easily correct this mistake. Simply navigate to the eTreeCertificates® tab in your account and edit the email ID as needed. Alternatively, you can reach out to us at info@grow-trees.com, and our team will gladly assist you in making the necessary changes.

If you discover that you have entered the wrong date, name, or occasion on your eTreeCertificate®, please contact us at info@grow-trees.com. Our dedicated support team is here to help you make any modifications you require to ensure your eTreeCertificate® accurately reflects your intentions.

The cost associated with planting one tree is meticulously calculated to encompass several key factors. This includes the actual price of the sapling itself, which is crucial for ensuring healthy growth. Additionally, the process of planting involves various steps, such as creating a nursery, digging the planting pit, actual planting, and ongoing activities like watering and maintenance.
Administrative costs are also factored into this calculation, reflecting the management of the entire planting process. Beyond these operational expenses, we include features such as the eTreeCertificate®, which serves as a digital acknowledgment of your contribution, as well as technical support for any inquiries or guidance you may need.
Furthermore, we conduct an audit of the project site 12 to 18 months after planting to ensure the longevity and health of the trees, which contributes to the overall costs. It is also important to note that any small surplus generated by our organization is reinvested into new projects, enabling us to expand our impact and continue promoting environmental sustainability.

To facilitate a smooth and convenient payment process, we offer a variety of online options that are widely accepted and secure. You can choose to make your payment using any major debit or credit card. Additionally, we support net banking transactions, which allow for direct transfers from your bank account. For those who prefer mobile payment solutions, platforms like UPI are also available. This array of options ensures that you can easily engage with our tree-planting initiatives in a manner that is most convenient for you.

While we do not offer a facility for cash payments, you do have the option to pay via cheque. If you wish to use this method, please contact our office directly to provide the necessary details. Once we receive your cheque, we will promptly issue the eTreeCertificate® to you via email as a token of your contribution. It is important to ensure that all relevant information is provided to facilitate a seamless transaction process.

Unfortunately, once you have made your payment and a tree has been planted, we are unable to provide refunds. This policy is in place because we operate on a system of back-to-back orders with our planting partners. Once your payment is confirmed and processed, it is immediately allocated to support the planting efforts, making refunds unfeasible. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and your commitment to supporting our environmental initiatives. Moreover, if you face difficulty in the traction such as money being credited from your account but we did not receive the timely confirmation from the partner payment gateway, we will issue the refunds which shall reflect in your account in 5-7 working days.