Peter Wohlleben’s book, The Hidden Life of Trees, presents a unique look at the forest ecosystem. He argues that the trees are interconnected with communication and social interactions and that like humans, trees take care of their young and help each other in good times and bad. Blending his scientific knowledge with anecdotes from his personal experience as a forester, Wohlleben explains the intricate web of relationships that exist in a forest and argues for sustainable approaches to forestry.
Wohlleben addresses many aspects of the forest ecosystem. He explains how trees communicate, budget their energy to meet all their needs, and defend themselves and other trees against insects and pests. We learn that trees act as carbon dioxide vacuums, water pumps, and and community housing projects. Wehlleben introduces us to his special friends, the oak, the beech and the spruce, each with their distinct personalities that allow them to grow and thrive in different environments.
The author has a casual accessible writing style and attributes human qualities and emotions to trees. This has the effect that the reader can more easily empathize and gain a greater appreciation for them and their role in the forest ecosystem. He addresses the problems of monoculture and other destructive practices and points out that forest are more than just a resource for timber production. With his love and respect for forests, he urges readers to reconsider the exploitation of forest for short-term gain.
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