Peter Wohlleben; translated by Jane Billinghurst
The Hidden Life of Trees: What they Feel, How they Communicate by Peter Wohlleben; translated from the German by Jane Billinghurst, contains some fascinating insights about trees.
Peter Wohlleben spent two decades working for the forestry commission in Germany. He is passionate about trees and shares an intimate knowledge about the different species, their behaviors, idiosyncrasies, habitat, social networks and support structures, and methods for self-preservation. If all this sounds as if Wohlleben anthropomorphizes trees, it is because that is exactly what he does.
Wohlleben speaks of trees in very human terms. Mother trees nurture and protect their offspring. Trees have a strong sense of community and come to the aid of a tree in failing health. They exude a scent that warns other trees of approaching danger from an infestation of hostile insects. They share a robust underground network consisting of roots and fungi through which they communicate and share resources. Trees connect with other life forms and play a vital role in sustaining a healthy environment. Solitary trees, referred to as “street kids,” die early because they are denied the benefits of a community of support.
Wohlleben basis his discussion on groundbreaking research and new discoveries on the life of trees and the vital role they play in the environment. He advocates eco-friendly practices in preserving our forests. His mantra is a happy forest is a healthy forest. He trusts in nature to do a fine job of promoting a healthy planet and advocates a hands-off approach. He provides a litany of examples where human intervention caused damaged to the eco-system.
Wohlleben’s passion for trees is evident and contagious. His vast knowledge on the subject is impressive. Some readers may feel he crosses a bridge too far when he attributes human emotions to trees—claiming trees experience pain; they scream in agony when cut down in the prime of life; babies experience abandonment when separated from their mommies, etc. etc. But if one moves beyond that and accepts his premise that trees are sentient beings intricately linked with all sentient beings in this vast web of life, one can garner many valuable insights about the life and activities of trees. And who knows? One might even begin to “read” trees now that Wohlleben has shown us how.