There must be a successful place for managed plantings. Witness the extensive southern yellow pine plantations in the US that are harvested for applications such as utility poles and pulpwood for paper, cardboard, etc. After decades of use, they harbor a greater volume of wood than before they were originally established.

That being said, natural regeneration can work wonders in the long term. The state of Pennsylvania was very nearly clear-cut over its entirety by around the beginning of the 20th century. Now forests cover more than 60% of the state. It's not a perfect solution. The majestic white pines that existed in the primeval forest cannot resist the onslaught of white-tailed deer that have flourished in the absence of predators like wolves. The deer eat the pine seedlings unless they are artificially protected, which isn't practical on a large scale. Thus, the returning forest is largely oaks and mixed hardwoods.

I have some personal experience with planting trees at my home. The saplings, mostly fruit trees, that I've planted have generally been able to survive to a fruit-bearing state because of individual care, watering when needed, and protecting against animal damage from deer, rabbits, etc. The seedlings I've planted have had less success. Some have matured into large trees, but many did not survive, whether from animals, insects, weather, poor choice of habitat, or whatever is often hard to say.

It's worth noting as well that individual trees are not immortal. I lost all my ash trees to the emerald ash borer. Windstorms have claimed some trees and lightning demolished a big, old maple tree. Others seem to expire from plant diseases or simple old age and a few are crowded out by hardier species growing nearby.

Forestry is an interesting combination of nature, science, and art. Neglect any aspect and failure may well ensue.

Big Al

Yes, forestry is fascinating. on our recent float down the Missouri River we encountered numerous attempts by organizations, universities, and landholders to rejuvenate and restore cottonwood stands. The most successful one we saw was created by a rancher who set up an automatic watering system right out of the river. The others weren't doing so great. They were managed by having volunteers and civil servants float down the river to water them by hand.

There was a great episode of 99% Invisible that talked about this issue, specifically as it related to planting in peat bogs. It was fascinating!

https://99percentinvisible.org...or-the-love-of-peat/