Extreme Challenge: Planting a Mini-Forest - 10 Months Later

Earlier this year, I shared my experience of planting 1,000 trees in 30 days as part of my extreme challenge. At Amazee Labs, we’re encouraged to take on an extreme challenge after three years with the company – a month-long personal project designed to push our limits and explore our passions outside of work. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for nature and environmental conservation with something truly ambitious. Now, a few months later, I wanted to give you an update on how the mini-forest is doing and reflect on the progress made since then.

A Summer of Survival

This past weekend, I visited the planting sites to check how the trees have managed through the summer. I'm happy to report that most of them have survived! I didn’t count every single tree, but I estimate that about 80-85% of them are still alive. Some have even started growing, especially the ones at the location close to my home, where the soil is better, and they benefit from the shade of older trees nearby.

The trees in the more remote location, however, had a tougher time. These are fully exposed to the sun all summer, and they’ve struggled a bit more. The heat and dryness have been a challenge for them, but some have held on, even if they haven't grown as much as the others.

Resilience and Adaptation

One interesting thing I noticed is that, in some cases, the main branches of certain trees didn’t survive, but a new branch has started growing from the root. This shows just how resilient nature can be – even when part of the tree dies, life can find a way to continue.

The trees are still small compared to the size of the land, so it’s hard to see all of them at first glance. It's rewarding to see how they’ve adapted to their environment, even in tough conditions.

Looking Ahead

I’m planning to revisit the site again in late autumn and replace some of the trees that didn’t make it. It’s part of the process, and I’m determined to give these spaces the forest I initially envisioned. Hopefully, by next year, the surviving trees will start to have bigger branches and become more noticeable.

This whole experience has taught me a lot, not just about planting trees but about the effort and patience needed to see things grow. Nature has its own timing, and sometimes all we can do is give it a little help and wait.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m really happy I took on this challenge and everything I’ve learned along the way. The trees may still be small, but seeing them survive feels like a win. It’s a good reminder that even small actions can make a difference over time.

Thanks again to Amazee Labs for supporting me in taking on this challenge and to everyone who sent messages of encouragement. The journey is not over yet, and I’ll continue to care for this mini-forest and help it thrive, one tree at a time.