The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate

Peter Wohlleben

Sep 2016 · William Collins · Narrated by Mike Grady

About this audiobook

How do trees live? Do they feel pain, or have awareness of their surroundings? Research is now suggesting trees are capable of much more than we have ever known. In The Hidden Life of Trees, forester Peter Wohlleben puts groundbreaking scientific discoveries into a language everyone can relate to.

In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders of which we are blissfully unaware.

Much like human families, tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, and support them as they grow, sharing nutrients with those who are sick or struggling and creating an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group. As a result of such interactions, trees in a family or community are protected and can live to be very old. In contrast, solitary trees, like street kids, have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.

Drawing on groundbreaking new discoveries, Wohlleben presents the science behind the secret and previously unknown life of trees and their communication abilities; he describes how these discoveries have informed his own practices in the forest around him. As he says, a happy forest is a healthy forest, and he believes that eco-friendly practices not only are economically sustainable but also benefit the health of our planet and the mental and physical health of all who live on Earth.

After a walk through the woods with Wohlleben, you’ll never look at trees the same way again.

Ratings and reviews

Astounding work providing mysterious depth to understanding ourselves by first understanding life around us. As it's winter now, a heavy snow storm weighed a tree whose branch slammed into our residence. Peter Wohlleben's work quickly provided empathy to our resident tree's plight dumbing my own sleep deprivation. Looking forward to another round and many more listening throughout my life. Thank you!

Far from a dry science book, this is one chapter after another about fascinating things trees do. Listened to the audiobook in the car, on walks or just emptying the dishwasher and was sad when it was over. Really amazing and surprising. I've given this audiobook as gifts and it's been really appreciated.

wow! - I look forward to more... The hidden Life of trees is a fascinating, scientific, yet entertaining experience. I was mesmerized by the discoveries shared in this book. I am an avid nature lover and even more dedicated to conservation after reading this book. A must read for all animal, plant, and planet lovers. I recommend the audio book or ebook to save more trees.

About the author

Peter Wohlleben spent over twenty years working for the forestry commission in Germany before leaving to put his ideas of ecology into practice. He now runs an environmentally-friendly woodland, where he works for the return of primeval forests. He is the author of numerous books about trees.