Do You Know That Trees Talk to Each Other?

This blog was submitted by the Cathedral CATS - Climate Action Through Stewarding

Sounds ludicrous, right?  It certainly sounded that way to me at first.  It seemed like something I would read about in a science fiction or fantasy novel.  BUT IT’S TRUE!  Trees of the same type or species communicate with each other through their roots.  Their root systems reach underground and out to each other.

They help each other in times of need.  For example, if a tree is needing water or nutrients, this need is communicated through their root system and nearby trees can then share whatever it is that the tree is lacking.

Trees can also communicate through their leaves.  The leaves give off certain scents that deter animals and insects, chasing them off.  These protections can extend beyond a few trees so that the intruders need to travel further to find a tree that they can attack. 

I am sure perhaps you have heard that some people talk to plants and play music for them.  These actions really do help plants; they not only grow, they thrive!  The same goes for trees.  Talking to them helps them stay healthy and strong.

I have started talking to trees – not lengthy conversations by any means.  But I will say “Good Morning” or tell them that they are beautiful.  Or I encourage them to grow big and strong, and to remain healthy.  I do not, however, talk to them, if anyone is around.  I am not quite that brave to do so, lol. 

If you are not ready to talk to trees, take a minute to stop and just look at them; their trunks, their leaves, their roots.  I find myself stopping regularly just to look up at them and admire their magnificence.  One of my favourite poems is “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer:

I think that I shall never see,
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Info on trees courtesy of The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Check out the CCATS Bookshelf for further info on this and other great books. 

Finding the Mother Tree by Dr. Suzanne Simard’s book reveals similar natural wisdom.