Yes - Trees Do Communicate - Here's How

Trees have been around longer than most species on Earth, standing tall as silent witnesses to the passage of time. But what if trees aren’t as silent as we once believed? Recent discoveries in the field of biology and ecology reveal that trees have their own intricate communication networks. Using underground mycorrhizal fungi, often referred to as the “wood wide web,” trees share nutrients, send warnings about pests, and even help nurture younger saplings. This interconnected system highlights the collaborative and selfless nature of forests, where the health of one tree can significantly impact the well-being of others around it.

When a tree dies, this complex network loses one of its valued contributors. Trees are not just physical beings; they carry a legacy of growth, cultural symbolism, and environmental significance. They provide shade, shelter, oxygen, and beauty, becoming part of the lives and stories of the people and ecosystems around them.

Tree Communication Studies

• Suzanne Simard's Research on Forest Communication (1997)

Canadian scientist Suzanne Simard conducted groundbreaking studies showing that trees in forests communicate with each other through underground fungal networks known as mycorrhizal networks. Her research revealed that trees can share resources like carbon and nitrogen, and even warn each other of dangers such as pests or diseases.

• Peter Wohlleben's Observations in "The Hidden Life of Trees" (2016)

Forester and author Peter Wohlleben expanded on existing research to propose that trees in forests behave collectively as a community. His observations highlighted how older "mother trees" help younger saplings by sharing nutrients and guiding their growth through these underground networks.

• Anna-Liisa Laakso’s Study on Trees and Volatile Organic Compounds (2014)

This research explored how trees communicate above ground by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Trees can emit these compounds as chemical signals to warn nearby trees about potential herbivore attacks, enabling a collective defensive response.

• Research by Dr. Monica Gagliano (2013)

Dr. Gagliano studied forms of acoustic communication in plants, finding evidence that trees and plants might use sound frequencies to transmit information. While controversial, her work opened new possibilities for understanding non-visual, non-chemical communication between trees.

• Dr. David Johnson's Work on Network Dynamics (2017)

Dr. Johnson investigated how mycorrhizal fungal networks influence tree cooperation and competition. His research indicated that trees in diverse ecosystems might prioritize collaboration over competition, helping to stabilize and strengthen the forest ecosystem.

This "National Geographic" video sums it all up pretty simply too:

Let’s Honor the Fallen Giants

Honoring their memory when they are gone means recognizing the roles they played in supporting life. Whether creating art from their wood, or simply pausing to appreciate their existence, we can pay tribute to these silent giants that give so much while asking for so little in return.

Trees teach us both about interconnectedness and the transient nature of life. By valuing and respecting them, even as we lose them, we continue their story and uphold the delicate balance they so generously contribute to. Their legacy is not just rooted in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of all who understand their quiet wisdom.