Do You Need 'The' Before 'Earth'?

In most cases, 'earth' does not require 'the' before it. 'Earth' is generally considered a proper noun, referring to the planet we live on. However, if 'earth' is used as a common noun in a specific context, such as referring to soil or the surface of the planet, then 'the' is needed. For example: 'The earth is covered with forests.'