Trees, in addition to their many benefits for people and wildlife, also benefit their surrounding trees and native plants. Peter Wohlleben, a German scientist, believes that trees communicate with one another, and with native plant species as well. This is something that previously was disputed, but has since been gaining traction in the scientific community.

Wohlleben, along with other German scientists, has discovered that trees of the same species create a type of alliance and become dependent on one another. They form a connection through the use of mycorrhizal networks where the roots of trees connect to fungal filaments, allowing a form of communication between the trees. This fungal connection allows the trees to share nutrients and water, as well as alert each other about droughts, invasive insects, or other distressing events. This communicative system allows trees to learn from one another and change their behavior based on the event at hand.

When nearby trees are struggling, other trees will feed them sugar and other nutrients needed to survive. Having a network of trees to support one another will help ensure their survival and will promote the health of other native species planted nearby. In addition, when drought conditions are prolonged, trees have been able to access deep-water through their root system, allowing for extended survival in sub-optimal conditions. Trees will make adjustments to their growing periods in times of drought, conserving resources while attempting to access other sources of water.

It is important to have trees and native species in your community that can adjust to different weather conditions and maintain their health in periods of drought, or when faced with invasive species. Of course, it is always great to help your tree when it needs a little assistance, but the native trees GHEP provides are strong, sturdy trees that will benefit you over the years! Check out our Family Tree Adoption Program page to gain more information about this program and learn how you can participate!

Sources:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8457149/
https://www.forestsociety.org/something-wild/what-happens-trees-drought