Our Impact
At SayTrees, we measure our success not just by the number of trees planted, but by the holistic environmental and social impact of our work. Here's how our initiatives are making a difference across India.
Eighteen years, counting
Eighteen years of work across 19 states and 2 union territories.
10M+
Trees planted
All programmes combined
200+
Miyawaki urban forests
Created and maintained
59+
Lakes and water bodies restored
Since the water programme began in 2017
5bn
Litres of holding capacity added
Cumulative, measured after desilting
20k+
Farmer households in agroforestry
Trees on their own land
400+
Corporate partners
CSR-funded sites and employee volunteering
What we measure at a site
Reported to funders quarterly for the first two years, then annually.
| Measure | How it is taken | When |
|---|---|---|
| Survival rate | Physical count of living saplings against the planting record | Quarterly, first two years |
| Height and girth | Sampled across the plot, not averaged from the best rows | Every six months |
| Species mix | Recorded at planting, re-checked after replacements | Annually |
| Canopy closure | Visual assessment against photo points fixed at planting | Annually |
| Water holding capacity | Depth and area survey after desilting | On completion, then post-monsoon |
| Groundwater response | Readings from wells in the surrounding catchment | Post-monsoon |
Success Stories
Urban Miyawaki Forest in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
In 2021, SayTrees planted 5,000 native saplings using the Miyawaki method to create a dense, self-sustaining urban forest. This initiative aimed to restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity, and build long-term climate resilience in the city.
Impact highlights
- •Planted 5,000 native saplings using the Miyawaki method
- •Improved soil health and accelerated forest growth
- •Enhanced carbon sequestration in an urban setting
- •Supported local biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
Handenahalli Lake Revival
Handenahalli, Karnataka
Transformed a neglected dumping ground into a thriving lake ecosystem within 5 months, increasing water-holding capacity from 91 to 229 million liters. The project, done in collaboration with the Zilla Panchayat, now supports sustainable water harvesting, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.
Impact highlights
- •Harvested 50+ million liters of water in pre-monsoon showers
- •Expanded lake area from 15.9 to 19.6 acres
- •Increased water-holding capacity by 138 million liters
- •Enabled sustainable livelihoods through fishing & employment
Urban Forest at Bommasandra
Bommasandra, Karnataka
Planted 6,925 native trees in 2021 using the Miyawaki method to create a dense, fast-growing urban forest. This green pocket now acts as a biodiversity hub, mitigates urban heat, and enhances environmental resilience in the expanding cityscape.
Impact highlights
- •Planted 6,925 native trees using the Miyawaki method
- •Reduced urban heat island effect in surrounding areas
- •Improved air quality and groundwater recharge
- •Created habitat for local biodiversity in an urban setting
Awards & Recognition
Top Innovation
Recognized by the World Economic Forum for our innovative approaches to reforestation.
2021
The Giving Economy Award
For its exceptional climate change efforts in India.
2023
The Cleantech Industry
For the outstanding performance and lasting contribution to The Cleantech Industry.
2024
Finalist - The RestorLife Awards
Recognised for our outstanding contribution to environmental conservation efforts.
2025
Help Us Create More Impact
Join our mission to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your support can help us plant more trees, restore more ecosystems, and build more climate-resilient communities.