The Secret Life of Trees

People are amazed by trees' physical presence but their underground interactions run deeper than most can imagine. Under forests the roots of different trees create an astonishing communication network we call the "Wood Wide Web." The tree network helps trees exchange information about resource sharing and lets them warn one another about threats.

Through mycorrhizal root connections trees move water nitrogen and other nutrients between each other. Through this natural system fungi pass nutrients from trees to help every member of the forest remain healthy. Trees function as part of a shared network by allocating resources between themselves to help developing and weaker members of the community.

Through their secret signals trees demonstrate an amazing capability to communicate with each other. A tree under insect attack emits warning signs into the air that induce defensive production in closeby trees. Harvested signals move across the mycorrhizal network to help all trees respond to shared threats simultaneously.

Through this underground interaction mycorrhizal networks make forests stronger while helping Earth stay cool. Trees fight climate change by taking in carbon dioxide to make oxygen and store carbon that cools our planet.

So next time you walk through a forest or sit beneath a tree, remember: You stand among a special group of trees which work together through mutual understanding to keep these ancient plants living successfully. Our planet relies on trees as quiet yet vital guardians above and beyond their visual attractiveness.