The present disclosure provides a seeding formulation for woody plants and a pre-treatment of surfaces (e.g. rocks, waste rocks, tailings, overburden) on disturbed and degraded lands. The seeding formulation includes a mix of woody trees or shrubs seeds, organic mulch, beneficial microbial populations, mineral fertilizer, adhesive, absorbent polymer, and water. The pre-treatment of surfaces refers to the spreading or mixing of surfaces with organic biomass. Methods of preparing and applying the seeding formulation and pre-treatment are also disclosed. The formulation is used for the phytoremediation, ecological restoration, land reclamation, environmental rehabilitation, revitalization, revegetation, and reforestation of disturbed and degraded lands.
