Choice of the tree species depends largely on the type of soil, annual rainfall, the general climate of the area and growth rate of the trees. I remember when we needed to plant trees along the ‘khaal’ (irrigation channel to the family farming land in Sargodha)) to stop water seepage. My uncle received advice from a ‘Forestry’ expert. It was suggested to plant two rows of trees on each side of the watering channel about 2 yards (12 ft) apart. Suggested varieties were Tahli (Sheesham), Kikar (Acacia), Bair (Jojoba) and Neem (Azadirachta indica ) & Dhrake (closely related to Neem).
Forests all over the world are used to provide timber (wood for furniture & buildings) and for the pulp used in the paper manufacture. Fast-growing, native species with high productivity are therefore generally recommended. Understand that main variety planted in KPK (1-billion tree drive) are pines, walnuts and eucalyptus.
During my stay at Gov’t College Lahore, students often went to the 'Changa Manga' reserve for picnics where majority of the trees were Sheesham, Kikar & white Mulberry.
Other trees that are commonly found in Punjab are Pine (hilly areas), Safeda (Eucalyptus), Bohr (Bargad), Piple, Toot (mulberry), Kachnar and Jamun. I would, therefore, presume that the same varieties will form the backbone of the new tree plantations.
Fruit trees such as mangoes, oranges, apples, limes etc. are planted everywhere as a part of the fruit farming, but not for the ref-forestation purposes. Similarly, recent Olive plantations are not part of the reforestation drive.