A native tree will be planted for every point scored in the AFL over the next three rounds.

Essendon star Zach Merrett is helping promote the cause and told 3AW Breakfast there was an increasing awareness about the importance of helping the environment.

“I think last year, given those three rounds, resulted in about 4500 trees,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the initiative

(Photo of Zach Merrett by Paul Kane/Getty Images)