It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.

 ~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

On the Loop Road at Gleniffer NSW Australia

Did you know that trees communicate with each other?   They don't speak as we humans do, but they do communicate and alert other neighboring trees if they are besieged by insects.   Forty years ago in 1970's, researchers studied this phenomena in willows and poplars. 

Trees infested with insects  produce an excess of chemicals in the leaves. These chemicals  reduce the nutritional value of the leaves for the marauding insects.  As well as lessening the nutritive value these chemicals also warn other trees that are close by, there is danger afoot.  When these other trees sense the warning,  they too begin to produce the same chemicals, defending themselves from the impending attack.  These chemicals are similar to hormones in humans,  which cause us to  emit a scent for a variety of different reasons.   Not all of these scents can be picked up on by everyone which makes this a very interesting subject for study.

Still other studies have shown that neighboring trees have emotion and feel when another tree is hurt by a human or loses a bough.  EEG machines have been attached to show proof of this fact.  Trees are not just large plants.  They too possess a spirit and they resonate a vibration of love and health.  

Say hi to a tree today as you pass by under its boughs, simply look up and say hi.  The tree will know you care.

 Images @ Melopopzdropz Flickr