Excerpt: The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World

Peter Wohlleben

2016-09-13

Macleans

Keywords: Tree Communication, Forest Ecosystem, Root Network, Fungi, Nutrient Sharing, Environmental Threats, Social Behavior

Trees don’t rely exclusively on dispersal in the air, for if they did, some neighbors would not get wind of the danger. Accordingly, they also send messages via their roots. Each tree is attached to the root network and it operates no matter what the weather. News bulletins are sent via the roots not only by means of chemicals but also by means of electrical impulses that travel at the speed of one centimeter per second.

The article "How trees talk to each other" from Maclean's, excerpted from the book "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, explores the fascinating ways in which trees communicate and support each other. Trees in a forest are interconnected through a complex network of roots and fungi, allowing them to share nutrients, water, and even information about environmental threats. This communication helps trees to thrive collectively, with older, stronger trees often supporting younger or weaker ones. The article also discusses how trees can recognize their offspring and provide them with extra resources, demonstrating a level of social behavior previously thought to be unique to animals.

Read more...

Tags: Environmental Sustainability, Forest Ecology, Tree Biology, Ecosystem Management, Plant Communication, Biodiversity, Natural Phenomena