The Secret Life of Trees

Who knew? Trees aren’t just beautiful shade givers. It turns out they have hidden lives and amazing talents we humans never see. Here are four fascinating facts about our leaf-bearing friends…

They’re social. Trees have extensive, underground root communities that share resources, like water. Often dubbed the “Wood Wide Web,” trees can even send distress signals to each other when in danger—from wood-eating animals, insects, or fungus.

They “talk” to each other. They’re in constant contact, not only underground, but through the air, releasing chemicals. The other day I was in a grove of trees and couldn’t help wondering what was going on below the soil. Did they feel my presence? Do they recognize familiar humans? Were they gossiping?

They nurture their young –When small saplings struggle to get sunlight under the dense forest canopy, older “mother trees” pump liquid sugar directly to the seedlings, nourishing them so they can grow. No wonder I’ll see a tiny sprout of a plant one year in our yard and two years later, it’s bigger than me.

They like to be hugged – Okay, I’m not sure about this, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Who doesn’t like a hug? I think trees are sentient, feeling beings. The other day, in front of my slightly embarrassed mother and sister, I hugged a beautiful oak tree in a local park. I could feel its lovely energy flowing through. I think the world would be better if more people hugged trees.

Alas, my husband Randy and I are about to have several big trees taken down and although they’re dead wood now, it makes me sad. They were once full of life and leaves that rustled in the breeze and gave shade to our home. They sheltered birds, squirrels, and opossums, to name a few. They stood in our yard like sentries, if as guarding. I’ll miss them.

Learning about trees, I now understand why, as a kid, I never liked chopping down Christmas firs. I understand the holiday fun, but never liked the thought of that sharp ax whacking into that tender bark. I always wondered if the trees could feel it. Now I can’t help musing: Do they send underground alarm signals to each other at the sight of a lumberjack?

The only time I don’t like living with trees is during heavy wind. I’m sure they don’t like it either. One time during Hurricane Sandy years ago, I was standing in our bedroom when I heard a horrible, high-pitched crack. A big maple was coming down. Thankfully, it fell away from our home, but a few feet more could’ve been disastrous.

The next day, the trees were standing tall and strong again, back on the job. What would we do without them? I see how they’ve always been part of my life living in woodsy Connecticut. But most of the time, I took them for granted. They were beautiful, but simple wood structures with branches and leaves. Instead, it turns out they’re incredible, complex life forms that sense, communicate, and even nurture each other.

Yes, trees are amazing. Who knew?

Do you find trees interesting? Comments are always welcome and if you’d like to receive posts by email, just press here. Thank you.