An example is given of three oaks that dropped their leaves at different times. We are told that plants of the same species living in the same soil and under the same conditions do not act in the same manner.

One example is the discussion of the respective amounts of CO² stored by young respective old trees. I would see other alternative explanations. I would follow an argument and not understand why a particular conclusion was drawn. Ecological and natural processes were not clearly explained. Anyone who appreciates nature, anyone who quite simply enjoys a walk in the woods, will find tidbits of interest. Absorbing information about particular tree species, plants, fungi, insects and birds is provided. It stresses that trees should be seen not as separate entities but rather as parts of a community where individuals are aware of their neighbors, relate to them, communicate with them and help each other survive. The book reports up-to-date information about the complex, symbiotic networks underlying communication between trees. I do recommend reading this book, even though I have given it only two stars! Remember two stars is a book that is OK! Read it for the new and interesting information it contains. As he says, a happy forest is a healthy forest, and he believes that eco-friendly practices not only are economically sustainable but also benefit the health of our planet and the mental and physical health of all who live on Earth. In contrast, solitary trees, like street kids, have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.ĭrawing on groundbreaking new discoveries, Wohlleben presents the science behind the secret and previously unknown life of trees and their communication abilities he describes how these discoveries have informed his own practices in the forest around him. As a result of such interactions, trees in a family or community are protected and can live to be very old. Much like human families, tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, and support them as they grow, sharing nutrients with those who are sick or struggling and creating an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group. In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders of which we are blissfully unaware. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World.

The hidden life of trees book summary