Book Review on “The Hidden Life of Trees” Reviewed by Robert Fogg

I recently read an interesting book named “The Hidden Life of Trees", by Peter Wohlleben. This book looks at trees and forests in a totally non-traditional way.  

 

The author contends that trees feel and that they intentionally work together and even communicate with one another. He dives into deep detail, regarding the hidden and inner workings of the forest, from how trees manage water (and the lack thereof) and their “pecking order” to how and why trees take root where they do. 

Wohlleben stresses the importance of maintaining old-growth forests over working forests.

Much of the information is based on European forests, which apparently contain a lot of beech trees, but there are also many references to the forests of the United States.  

Being a “tree guy”, I found this to be a very interesting book. I don’t necessarily agree with everything I read, but it has given me a lot to think about. I tried to keep an open mind throughout the book and consider the possibilities.  

For the moment, I’m seeing trees and forests in a different light. Who knows? Maybe Wohlleben really knows what he’s talking about. Who am I to say he’s wrong.  

I suggest that you read the book and decide for yourself.

The author is general manager of Q-Team Tree Service in Naples and is also a licensed Arborist. He can be reached at RobertFogg@Q-Team.com or 207-693-3831.