Restoring tree cover can significantly alter albedo, the fraction of sunlight reflected from the Earth's surface, which can offset or even negate the carbon removal benefits of tree planting. Previous studies have not robustly accounted for albedo changes due to a lack of spatially explicit data. This study produces maps that show carbon-only estimates may be up to 81% too high. While dryland and boreal settings have severe albedo offsets, it is possible to find places that provide net-positive climate mitigation benefits in all biomes. The study also finds that on-the-ground projects are concentrated in these more climate-positive locations, but the majority still face at least a 20% albedo offset. Thus, strategically deploying restoration of tree cover for maximum climate benefit requires accounting for albedo change, and the tools to do so are provided in this study.Restoring tree cover can significantly alter albedo, the fraction of sunlight reflected from the Earth's surface, which can offset or even negate the carbon removal benefits of tree planting. Previous studies have not robustly accounted for albedo changes due to a lack of spatially explicit data. This study produces maps that show carbon-only estimates may be up to 81% too high. While dryland and boreal settings have severe albedo offsets, it is possible to find places that provide net-positive climate mitigation benefits in all biomes. The study also finds that on-the-ground projects are concentrated in these more climate-positive locations, but the majority still face at least a 20% albedo offset. Thus, strategically deploying restoration of tree cover for maximum climate benefit requires accounting for albedo change, and the tools to do so are provided in this study.