By: Carli Cully
Have you ever wondered why all trees change color at the same time? Or why tree roots are so long and connected? This is because trees communicate with each other. Trees share water and nutrients, send signals, and deliver warnings to other trees. “Trees are “social creatures" that communicate with each other in cooperative ways that hold lessons for humans, too,” said ecologist Suzzane Simard.
Trees connect and communicate with other trees through an underground network of fungi which are called mycorrhizal networks. The roots of trees are hairlike and are joined together with microscopic fungal filaments to form the links of the whole communication
network. The fungi and trees share a symbiotic relationship by transferring the messages and nutrients, and allowing fungi to get a cut of the nutrients being sent. Through these connections and networks, trees send chemical and hormonal electric signals that can warn of danger, distress, and or any potential threats to the ecosystem. These connections also allow nutrients and water to flow between the trees, helping trees that lack sunlight grow and form more independent relationships with other trees. Aspen root systems specifically connect with every other aspen tree in its vicinity which creates a collective strength, resiliency, and dependence that can overcome challenges like fires, diseases, and invasive species.
Trees not only send messages from below, but also from above. By using pheromones and scent signals, trees can warn nearby trees of potential threats such as animals and or pest infestations. Trees might send messages for backup to send extra nutrients to repair the tree's appendages and leaves.
There are so many interconnected relationships between plants and animals that we have yet to discover, but first understanding how trees communicate with each other is a step in the right direction. Climate change is harming a vast majority of the fungal species that help to create the mycorrhizal networks allowing these interactions between trees to occur. Without them, trees will have less ability to create and sustain themselves, as they have no other resources to be dependent on.
It is of utmost important to take care of the trees, which is why it is so
important to be conscientious about what we use and how we take care of our planet.
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