Do Trees Talk to Each Other?

Richard Grant

2018-03-01

Smithsonian Mag.

Keywords: Environment, Ecology, Forestry, Botany, Sustainability

It shows instead that trees of the same species are communal, and will often form alliances with trees of other species. Forest trees have evolved to live in cooperative, interdependent relationships, maintained by communication and a collective intelligence similar to an insect colony. ........................“All the trees here, and in every forest that is not too damaged, are connected to each other through underground fungal networks. Trees share water and nutrients through the networks, and also use them to communicate. They send distress signals about drought and disease, for example, or insect attacks, and other trees alter their behavior when they receive these messages.”

The article delves into the fascinating concept that trees communicate and support each other through a complex network of fungal connections, as proposed by German forester Peter Wohlleben. His work, popularized in "The Hidden Life of Trees," suggests that trees are more interconnected and intelligent than previously believed, sharing resources and warning each other of dangers. This idea, while controversial, is supported by scientific research showing that trees can recognize kin and favor them with nutrients through mycorrhizal networks. Despite criticism for anthropomorphizing trees, Wohlleben's vivid storytelling has raised public awareness about the complexity and importance of forest ecosystems, advocating for sustainable forestry practices.

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Tags: Tree Communication, Mycorrhizal Networks, Wood-Wide Web, Forest Ecosystems, Mother Trees, Tree Intelligence, Forestry Practices, Sustainable Forestry