Burning trees to help other trees grow? It sounds counterintuitive, but using biochar to improve soil conditions is a practice that dates back centuries.
On Arbor Day 2025, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval announced the city’s first use of biochar for tree planting to an enthusiastic crowd: elementary students at Roberts Academy in Price Hill.
“Make some noise if you love trees,” Pureval exclaimed to loud cheers. “Here’s the most exciting thing, guys — you are part of history. Today, we are using a magical ingredient for the first time in Cincinnati’s history. It’s called biochar.”…