ACEIZE Tracking the current state of Science and Technology

People from NASA and UNAM University in Mexico are studying the feasibility of growing trees on Mars. Growing trees on Mars is currently considered one of the first steps towards terraforming the planet. By pumping a lot of heavy gases onto the planet, such as methane and nitrous oxide, it might be possible to heat the surface of Mars to around 41 °s; F. Certain tree species in Mexico are known to grow at that temperature on a mountain called Pico de Orizaba. Trees are considered to be the 'engine of the biosphere'. Once they start growing, it is believe that the process of terraforming will begin to take care of itself.

NASA scientist Chris McKay says that the first human mission to Mars is seen 10 to 15 years away, and the warming-up process could start 50 years later. Further he said, "It's possible Mars could have trees in 100 years. (But first) we need to understand what sets the tree line on Earth." The tree line at a place like Pico de Orizaba would help science determine the extreme ranges of tree growth.

Many trees require bacteria or fungus to help incorporate minerals and water from the soil. I wonder if NASA is taking this into account?