Trees don't spread to steppe just grass from what I've seen. I have some trees planted but it will be weeks before I get enough sprouts to replace what I planted after fails and such, and I didn't plant them to grow sprouts, I planted them for wood. In time I will plant more trees near Linton on areas already grass but it will take months for me to catch up with what gets cut down. Besides the area is mostly steppe and the hunter players would give birth to a cow and go after the players that planted trees on the steppe tiles if done in large way. I don't want to tangle with them. Not worth the hassle.
Linton just need GMs or someone with permissions to clean up area a little when they have time. I've tried to pick things up and deed won't let me.
