'afforestation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'afforestare,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'forestare' meant 'to plant trees.'

'afforestare' transformed into the French word 'afforester,' and eventually became the modern English word 'afforestation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to plant trees in a barren area,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.