Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Photo by Barry Wallace



                                                                     









         

Peter Wohlleben
Photo by Tobias Wohlleben





Bestseller changes how I see trees

I'm not sure how I first heard of this book but I'm delighted to have found and read it.   It has changed forever how I will see and feel about trees in the future. It was a simple book to read but mind-stretching in how one's perception of the natural world can be completely changed.   I won't try to explain Peter Wohlleben's startling insight into not just how trees grow, but also how they see, hear, feel, relate and even protect their offspring and neighbours.   Immediately below is a photo of a mighty oak tree at Humber Trails Conservation Area, on Mill Road, near Nobleton.   I have always regarded this tree as very old and in its twilight years. Now I realize a tree like this, in slightly altered circumstances, could live for a few more centuries!   In the photo at bottom, a huge willow, also at Humber Trails, shows a remarkable transmogrification of its trunk at ground level.   It may very well have survived and adapted to whatever afflicted its health and development with the intervention of the trees growing around and beside it.   It's a pleasure to recommend a book that is so pleasurable and informative.   It was a quick two-day read at 245 pages, especially with cookies and tea.

Photo by Barry Wallace

Photo by Barry Wallace
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace

4 comments:

  1. Thank you, Barry. It was on my 'to read list' and now, based on your recommendation, its priority has increased.

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  2. Barry, there is a great podcast on the secret life of trees from Radiolab at WNYC.

    http://www.radiolab.org/story/from-tree-to-shining-tree/

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jeff. I just listened to the Radiolab podcast. Wonderful stuff.
      Many thanks.

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  3. Almost just as interesting is the chatter about what happens in soils. Lots to take in in this little book. Now I'm paranoid about grabbing enough soil when transplanting/saving trees...one of my recurring spring/fall follies.

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