Unveiling the Hidden Communication Networks of Forests

The idea forests can communicate has been a major motif in fantasy literature. In C.S. Lewis’s “Narnia”, the woods whisper secrets to one another while, in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”, the tree folk of Fangorn forest are just as intelligent as humans. 

While real trees can’t grow legs and overthrow evil, they can communicate with one another. Talking trees may sound like fiction, but the reality is forests use hidden, underground communication networks to send messages far and wide. 

This network connects to other plants, too. Fungi can join the party by hooking up their mycelium to the web, while so-called mother trees can detect distress signals and threats at the very edges of the forest. This may sound bizarre, but understanding these communication networks is key in the fight against climate change and deforestation. 

The Wood-Wide Web

The so-called Wood-Wide Web is better known as a mycorrhizal network in the science world. While research on mycorrhizal networks is still emerging, many researchers are of the opinion understanding the interconnection between trees is key to efforts towards combatting climate change. 

Professor Suzanne Simard, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences at the University of British Columbia, explains you can see the connection for yourself without having to go underground. For example, while walking in a woodland when forest bathing, “You can see that the plants are intertwined, they provide habitat for one another.”

The communication going on beneath our feet isn’t always friendly, either. Some plants use subterranean dialogue to rebuff the advance of unwanted roots, while others use their underground network to suck up important nutrients. At the same time, many trees work with fungi to feed one another during their lifecycle. Some research even suggests: 

• ‘Mother’ trees send nutrients to saplings and struggling trees in the area.
• Dying trees sometimes send their nutrients to others who can make use of the energy.
• When plants come under attack, they send distress signals to others in the ecosystem who can protect the tree from a threat. 

Exactly how the mycorrhizal network works is still up for debate. However, many researchers suggest chemical messages are sent through hub trees that effectively connect the rest of the woodland. These messages are paced through mycelium (AKA mushrooms) which, in turn, take their share of sugar in return for connecting the wood-wide web. 

Reforestation and Communication

Understanding the organic growth of mycorrhizal networks is crucial for successful reforestation efforts. By planning with communication in mind, conservationists can create woodlands and forests that are interconnected and resilient. This is key, as many planted forests have failed. While these failures are largely due to poor planning, conservationists can use insights gathered by researchers to create more resilient reforestation designs. 

When planning reforestation, conservationists should aim to work with the land and the natural resources already in existence in the area. This approach can aid water conservation efforts and may result in the restoration of other natural habitats and waterways, like streams and rivers. Folks who plan forests can even steal innovative methods from the agricultural world to strengthen forest networks. For example, when surveying land, conservationists should consider using the natural contours to increase water use. The benefits of contour planting include: 

• Increased Biodiversity: Forest plants that love wet soil will grow happily down the slope, while more alpine-style plants will thrive at the top where drainage is quicker.
• Improved Fertilizer Efficiency: Forests shouldn’t need fertilizer to thrive. However, when getting saplings to establish, conservationists may use a little feed to get the ball rolling. Contouring the land increases the efficiency of these feeding efforts.
• Reduced Waterway Sedimentation: Planted forests should support nearby waterways, not fill them with sediment. Contouring reduces the amount of sediment that ends up in waterways and can combat erosion. 

Reforesting on slopes can make use of land impacted by deforestation, but not fit for building or farming. This is key, as we need to advocate for the reintroduction of forests across the globe to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. 

Advocating for Forests 

While trees may be able to talk to one another, we’re yet to discover a way to interpret their communication. This means it’s up to us to advocate for the natural world and the needs of our woodlands. Advocating for forests is crucial, as our woodlands and green spaces play a pivotal role in soaking up carbon and combating climate change. 

Companies that care about the well-being of forests can aid conservation efforts, and reduce their impact, by utilizing strategies to make their business greener, including: 

• Choosing biodegradable materials to reduce pollution in greenspaces
• Using recycled or reclaimed products to cut down on deforestation 
• Pivoting away from increasingly scarce resources like rare, wild-growing woods
• Avoiding disrupting ecosystems by carefully planning expansion and working with eco-friendly suppliers
• Encouraging consumer engagement to fund reforestation and raise awareness about the importance of woodlands and forests 

Taking these steps will reduce a company’s carbon footprint, while aiding efforts to support existing forests and create new woodlands designed to soak up carbon, while creating stronger ecosystems. 

Conclusion

Understanding the secret lives of trees is crucial for reforestation efforts. Folks who want to plant new trees and restore natural ecosystems can use insights gathered from research to create support networks of plants that work well together and share resources effectively. This will enhance the resilience of planted forests and aid efforts to combat climate change.