Rooted Together

I'm fascinated by trees - organisms whose lifespan in some species can exceed a millennium. I love their astounding diversity, from the minute Dwarf Willow to the towering Coast Redwoods like ‘Hyperion’ in the US, which at over 115m is higher than the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

Recent discoveries in tree science have only piqued my interest. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of trees. Did you know that most trees of the same species in the same area are linked to each other through their root systems? They exchange nutrients and help each other in time of need. Trees are social beings! Who knew? For them as for us, synergy is key. Together they are greater than the sum of their parts. 

Wohlleben explains how a single tree is at risk from extremes of weather whereas a forest forms an ecosystem that moderates the extremes, stores water and generates humidity. The mutual benefits create an environment where the trees can live and thrive for much longer. 

Next time you're out in a forest or park, maybe you, like me, will reflect on the interdependence of trees, and perhaps on how your own network of relationships is thriving. We are greater together.