top of page

Trees Talk

Just Not the Way You Think

Far from silent, trees use a hidden network to communicate and support one another.


Root Signals
Stressed trees send chemical signals through their roots—warning nearby trees of drought or insect attacks.


The Wood Wide Web
Mycorrhizal fungi connect tree roots underground, forming a vast network that lets trees share nutrients and alerts. Older trees can even nourish younger ones.


Airborne Warnings
When under attack, trees release airborne compounds to warn neighbors, prompting them to activate defenses.


Mutual Support
Some trees help weaker ones by sending resources through underground links—like a forest version of family care.


Science is still uncovering the complexity of this quiet, cooperative world—where trees look out for one another beneath the surface.

ADVERTISEMENTS

The Hidden Life of Trees

The Hidden Life of Trees

The Illustrated Edition

facts.png
FACTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
Why the Middle Finger Is Such an Old Insult
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

Why the Middle Finger Is Such an Old Insult

Homes That Outsmarted the Tax Collector
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Homes That Outsmarted the Tax Collector

Why Most Orange Cats Are Boys
SCIENCE & NATURE

Why Most Orange Cats Are Boys

Cleopatra’s Breath Might Be in Your Lungs Right Now
SCIENCE & NATURE

Cleopatra’s Breath Might Be in Your Lungs Right Now

From Awkward Moment to Medical Marvel
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

From Awkward Moment to Medical Marvel

Did Avocado Toast Really Ruin Millennials’ Housing Dreams?
FOOD & DRINK

Did Avocado Toast Really Ruin Millennials’ Housing Dreams?

ADVERTISEMENT

popular.png
POPULAR NOW
Photograph of the original constitution
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

Organizations That Support Peace

Image of camel with Google camera in the desert
SCIENCE & NATURE

When Google Used A Camel to Map the Desert

Photograph of a lamb
SCIENCE & NATURE

How Ranchers Know When Sheep Have Mated (Without Guessing)

Painting of the The Charge of The Light Brigade
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

Before it Was Cozy, It Was Controversial

FOOD & DRINK

Ice Made the Cocktail Possible

Image of futuristic tech cube
SCIENCE & NATURE

The Spark That Launched San Francisco's Tech Scene

ADVERTISEMENT

bottom of page