The density of forests varies dramatically across the United States, creating a patchwork of lush woodlands and wide-open plains. While the eastern and western coasts boast extensive tree cover, the middle of the country presents a distinctly different landscape. Determining which state possesses the least amount of forest requires relying on specific, standardized data. Official metrics provide a quantifiable answer, highlighting the vast ecological differences that define the nation’s geography.
Identifying the State with the Lowest Forest Coverage
North Dakota has the smallest proportion of its land area covered by trees, consistently ranking at the bottom of national forest inventory reports. The U.S. Forest Service indicates that only 1.8% to 2% of North Dakota’s total land area is classified as forestland. The vast majority of the state is occupied by other land covers, primarily agriculture and grassland. Neighboring Great Plains states also show extremely low forest percentages. Nebraska is typically next, with forest coverage around 3%, followed by South Dakota and Kansas, which fall below 5%.
Defining Forestland and Measurement Criteria
Forest coverage relies on a standardized definition used by federal agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. This methodology dictates that land must meet specific size and density criteria to be officially counted as “forestland.” To qualify, the area must be at least one acre in size and exhibit a minimum of 10% stocking or canopy cover by forest trees.
The definition of a “tree” is specific, generally referring to a woody plant that can reach a minimum height of 16 feet at maturity. This technical standard helps distinguish true forests from small clumps of trees, urban parks, or scattered windbreaks. Forestland also includes areas recently harvested or cleared but expected to regenerate to the 10% canopy threshold, ensuring temporary disturbances do not skew long-term data.
It is important to note the distinction between “forestland” and “timberland,” as the latter is a subset capable of producing commercial-grade timber. While all timberland is forestland, not all forestland is timberland, which can lead to confusion in governmental reports. The most accurate measure for overall tree cover focuses on the total percentage of land meeting the minimum stocking and area criteria, regardless of commercial viability.
Geographic and Climatic Factors Driving Low Tree Density
The primary reason for low forest coverage in North Dakota and the surrounding region is the dominance of the Great Plains biome. This vast area is naturally characterized by grasslands and steppes, which evolved under conditions that inhibit the growth of large, dense forests. The climate features significant aridity, especially in the western parts, with low average annual precipitation insufficient to support large-scale tree growth.
High winds are a consistent feature of the plains, increasing evapotranspiration rates and placing substantial water stress on woody plants. The combination of limited moisture and continuous wind exposure makes it difficult for tree seedlings to establish and mature outside of protected riparian zones. Consequently, the native vegetation is dominated by drought-resistant grasses, which possess deep, fibrous root systems better suited to the environment.
The natural ecology of the plains is further shaped by frequent, naturally occurring wildfires, which historically swept across the landscape. These fires prevented the encroachment of woody species and maintained the grassland ecosystem. Grasses can recover quickly from the root crown, while young trees are often killed by fire.
The deep, rich soils of the region are a product of the millennia-old grassland ecosystem. Although highly fertile, these soils have been converted extensively to agriculture since European settlement. This historical land use, particularly dryland farming, replaced much of the native prairie, removing existing natural forest cover and preventing its return.