You probably already know something about trees. You may know, for example, that they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, thus helping to maintain a healthy environment for other life forms–such as ourselves. They also reduce soil erosion. And they provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife. But here are some other facts that might amaze you.
+ Trees can talk. Perhaps communicate is a better word. Here’s an example. If insects begin to infest a tree, that tree will flood its leaves with a chemical that wards off insects. When other trees nearby “sense” what that tree is doing, they will begin the chemical repellent process immediately–even before a single insect has penetrated their domain! Trees “talk” through their roots, too, sharing valuable information about water and soil with each other.
+ Trees can get quite old. Some trees are the oldest living organisms on our planet. A bristlecone pine in the California White Mountains is more than 5,000 years old! Just think: it was 3,000 years old when Jesus walked the hills of Galilee. In fact, that tree was alive when woolly mammoths roamed the earth. The last woolly mammoth died about 4,000 years ago!
+Trees have been to the moon. In 1971, Apollo 14 carried hundreds of different tree seeds on their mission to the moon. NASA wanted to see what effect a trip in outerspace might have on the seeds. After circling the moon, the seeds returned back to earth and were eventually planted all over the U.S. and world. One loblolly pine tree, grown from one of those seeds, stands today on the White House grounds. You can goggle “moon seeds” to see if there is a moon tree near you. I did. And I learned that Ohio has two moon trees: a sycamore in Friendship Park, Jefferson County (Steubenville area) and a sweetgum in Wayne National Forest in Nelsonville (between Columbus and Athens).
+ Trees can hear. Trees can “hear” or sense water flowing underground and can adjust their roots accordingly.
+Trees can save you money. In summer they can slash your air-conditioning expenses by 30%. In winter, they can greatly reduce those cold weather drafts.
+ Trees can act like a compass. If you ever get lost in a forest, trees can help you find your way out. Simply look for moss growing on the trees. Moss grows on the north side of a tree in the northern hemishpere, and on the south side in the southern hemisphere.
+ Trees grow from the top. If you hang a birdhouse on a lower branch of a young tree, it won’t move up the tree as the tree grows. That’s because trees grow from the top. But you might find your birdhouse on the ground someday, because some trees discard their lower branches as they grow taller.
+ Different parts of the tree grow at different times of the year. Tree foliage grows in the spring, trunks grow in the summer, and roots grow in the winter.
+ Trees reach out for help. Trees are not afraid to ask for help when they need it. When an apple tree is beset with caterpillars, for example, it will release a chemical that attracts caterpillar-eating birds! (If only we human beings were just as willing to reach out for help when we need it!)
+ Some quotes about trees. “People who plant trees knowing that they will never sit in their shade, have at least started to understand the meaning of life.” Rabindranath Tagore … “Time spent among trees is never wasted.” Katrina Mayer … “A culture is no better than its woods.” W.H. Auden… “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese proverb.
+Trees can make us kinder. Partly because they release chemicals called phytoncides (also known as “essential oils”) that have been shown to reduce blood pressure and lessen anxiety.
+ Trees are great symbols: Trees represent harmony and balance… life and death… strength and calmness… slow steady growth… stability. Aren’t these values and concepts we strive to reflect in our own lives? Jesus must have liked trees. Two examples: He compared the Kingdom of God to a tree (Mt. 13:31-32), and he often went to the grove of olive trees to pray.
These are just a few amazing facts about trees. But one fact we must never overlook is this: Trees are incredibly beautiful!
For reflection:
Did anything catch your attention in today’s reflection?
Did you have any favorite trees in your childhood? or now at this time in your life?
What tree do you think is the most beautiful tree?
Are there any other lessons we can learn from trees?
Look around your house today and notice all the things that are made from wood. Maybe even your house is! Don’t forget the books and paper you see! Give thanks for all the different kind of trees that have made your daily living possible!
Say “thank you” to a specific tree you see or meet today.
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PS: Every time I publish a new book, I thank the trees that made the many copies of my new book possible! Right now, my newest book is being printed. It is entitled Sunflower Seeds of Hope and is based on my blog. I’ve been writing my blog since February 2012. That means I have written about 600 different reflections. So I selected 40 of them from over the years (I had a 128 page limit) and edited them for the book. Each reflection includes reflective questions, a suggested video, and two or three readers’ comments from my blog! That means many of you helped me write this book! I’ll let you know when Sunflower Seeds of Hope is available at Twenty-Third Publications and on Amazon. A BIG thank you to all of you for supporting my blog!
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As I said, trees are beautiful. I’m offering two videos that reinforce this idea. The first is a 3 minute video called “The Tree.” It highlights the beauty of trees through simple yet stunning pictures of trees and soothing piano music. It is produced by Juliano. The second video (18 mins.) is called “Rewilding a Forest.” It tells the story of Swedish poet and artist Maria Westerberg who lives in the forest her family has owned for four generations. An infestation of bark beetles began to destroy the pine trees around her. She watched in horror as the dying trees’ needles began raining down upon her, and she heard yet another dead tree fall to the ground. Eventually, she and her good friend Johannes found a way to begin to “rewild the forest.” I found their story uplifting and hopeful. I also loved her creative artwork largely fashioned from the sticks and branches on the forest floor. This short film won many film awards. I can see why!
“The Tree”
“Rewilding a Forest”: This video has closed captions. Just click on cc at the bottom.
I encourage you to add a comment to my blog below. For example, share your answer to one of the questions. Or what did you notice, think, or feel about either of the videos? We would all love to hear from you!
46 Responses
Thank you for writing about trees. I have friends who are trees. I enjoyed the videos too. I especially liked that the woman in the forest did not follow the conventional “wisdom” but followed her heart instead.
Thanks, Annie. I see you out in our woods here touching and talking to your friends, the trees. I bet they get excited all the way down to their roots when they see you coming! Melannie
” I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree”
I thought of this poem, too!
Emily and Elizabeth, I bet some good teacher in your childhood shared Kilmer’s poem with you! Thanks for reminding us of it! Melannie
To which someone (maybe Ogden Nash?) added: “Indeed unless the billboards fall, I’ll never see a tree at all.”
Good morning from South Carolina!
I so love this topic! I will read it again, print it, share it, and watch the videos again and again! Just read a terrific novel by Daniel Mason called “North Woods.” In one chapter he writes about the great American Chestnut tree, how it provided deep shade and was home to hundreds of birds, many of which, along with the American Chestnut, we will never see again. People talk about spirit animals, but my spirit will be forever linked with trees — especially the oak!
John, That book sounds good! Yes, the story of disappearing chestnuts and so many animals is heart-breaking… I like the idea of spirit animals including trees! Thanks for sharing! Melannie
I love that trees can talk to each other. How beautiful!
So true! Thanks, Kathleen! Melannie
Dear Melanie, thank you so much for the reflections on trees. I enjoyed the vicarious trip through the forest. For me, it was a reflection of life, death and resurrection. It’s the beauty of nature.❤️🙏🏻😊
Mary, Yes the Paschal Mystery is reflected throughout creation! Thank you for writing! Melannie
Reminds me do much of a chapter in Megan McKenna’s: Harm not the Earth. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Barbara, I’m familiar with her fine writing and art–but not this particular chapter. Thanks for recommending it! Melannie
How complicated and beautiful is God’s creation. This session of your blogs was so inspiring.
I’m so glad you found this reflection inspiring. I found inspiration as I wrote it! Melannie
An awesome, inspiring tribute to these monarchs of the Vegetable Kingdom…our ” little brothers”…who, along with the Animal kingdom, are to be ” in our care”, as they, like we who have reached the Human kingdom, continue to evolve, here, on this very special planet..our Earth.
What a beautiful response, Suzanne! I loved your “monarchs of the Vegetable Kingdom”… and “our little brothers..” Your spirit shows a great appreciation for our lovely home, planet earth! Melannie
Behind my childhood bungalow stood a regal weeping willow that filled much of the backyard. Its leaves became tickets to ride on the swings or go down the slide; they filled plates and bowls of water for make-believe meals. By the sidewalk in the front yard stood a magnificent old maple. In its shade we sold lemonade and fizzy-drinks. Its exposed roots served as seats for my best friend and me. By the front picture window was a flowering crab apple tree. When the fruit ripened, my Pop would dangle bunches over my ears; I was adorned with jewelry! When we moved to a larger colonial home, the woods and creek that edged our backyard became a land of discovery and the greatest place to praise the Creator! He instilled a love for His handiwork in me from my earliest days.
Thank you for these reflections and videos this morning. I read and watched with my baby granddaughter on my lap. I’m looking forward to her joining her three boy cousins in our nature walks through the “Emerald Necklace” parks that surround our city. What a special gift it is!
Deb, I was touched by your lovely decriptions of some of the trees of your childhood! Your words reminded me of my own growing up years and how trees always played an important part. Your baby granddaughter and her three boy cousins are certainly lucky to have you for their grandmother! And we living in this area are soooo lucky to have our incredible park system, the “Emerlad Necklace.” Thanks so much for writing! Melannie
Melanie and Friends: A few years ago I read the powerful novel by Richard Powers (no pun) titled, The Overstory. (I’ll check on the title) It is a heavy book but crammed with scientific information about trees as swell as characters in the story. Some thing, among much of the book, which stands out for me, is the Douglas Firs will actually hold hands with their roots. They should be planted fairly near each other for consolation and strength they can give each other. I loved that thought.
Mary Ann,
Loved that story! Just remarkable!
Mary Ann, I love that image of those douglas fir trees holding hands underground! I know the giant Sequoias also like to grow in groves for that same reason: they interlock their roots. It helps give them stability. We humans can learn so much about living from our “brothers and sisters,” the trees, can’t we? Thanks for writing, Mary Ann! Melannie
I don’t think I will ever look at a tree again without remembering some of my newly acquired wisdom. Growing up there was a crabapple tree in my grandmother’s yard that produced beautiful pink flowers on the spring. It was a great climbing tree and we would collect the crabapples as “ammunition”. Thank you for your blog and insight.
Mary, I’m glad my blog evoked beautiful memories of trees from your own childhood! Thanks for sharing! Melannie
We lost a maple tree a few years ago because the trunk split too seriously to save it. When the tree people came to take it down so we could replace it, I had to leave the house. I couldn’t watch it come down – we had planted it when we built the house. I really really like trees and am grateful for them every day – even the bare ones in Minnesota in winter.
Patt, When I lived in the convent in Chardon, OH we had a lovely old mock magnolia right by our side porch. It was by the door we used every day. In spring, it had gorgeous whiteish-pnkish blossoms. But when it got old, it got infected and had to be removed. Like you, I left the house the morning they came to take it down… Like you I also love looking at the trees in winter. It gives me the chance to appreciate the intricate wooden structure that supports all those blossoms and leaves throughout the year! Thanks for writing. I appreciate your comment very much! Melannie
Thank you for this film. I grew up on a farm where a small forest was right behind our house. Our family had some good times there, in a small clearing we played “school”. We picked a few wild flowers for our May altar. We also enjoyed some of the berries that grew there. I am sure it helped to keep our house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. When I was 18, I entered a convent and have been a Sister of St. Francis for 75 years. Blessings on your educational mimistry.
Sister Julie, Thank you for sharing some of your childhood experiences with trees! I’m sure many of us can resonate with your experiences. And Congratulations on being a Sister of St. Francis for 75 years! Wow! I’m sure St. Francis is proud of your love and respect for creation! Melannie
This was such a lovely learning experience for me. I learned a lot about trees. What stuck with me is knowing how moss grows on trees and, from the video, that growing trees with leaves is the key to sustaining a forest, especially in this age of deforestation for profit and replanting for that same profit in the future. I love your posts about the harmony of nature and God. Thank you so much for your apostolate. God Bless!
Brandon, I’m so glad you found some new facts about trees in this post today. I learned new things too–especially from that second video. You referred to my blog as my “apostolate.” That’s how I look up it too. The written word has been a constant companion and inspiration during my own long life. I hope my writing can be a companion for some of my readers. Thank you for your encouragement for me! Melannie
Wonderful reflection and videos
Glad you enjoyed them, Cathy! Melannie
Wasn’t able to see the videos. When I clicked “learn more” they disappeared!
Veronica, Just go to youtube and type in “The Tree” Juliano for the first video and “Rewilding the Forest” for the second one. They should come right up. Thanks for reading my blog! Melannie
Sr. Melannie, I loved this post! I have a lot of trees in my backyard, and when I pass by I often put my hand on them and tell them I love them. They give us lovely shelter from the hot summer sun. And we have a Moon Tree right here in my hometown of Athens, GA!
Ellen, I too put my hands on trees at times! I can almost feel the life in them! I too talk to them, often saying things like, “You are SO beautiful” or “Please share your strength with me.” It’s good to know others do this too! And how lucky that you have a Moon Tree right in your home town! Thanks for sharing that with us! Melannie
“People who plant trees knowing that they will never sit in their shade, have at least started to understand the meaning of life.” Rabindranath Tagore …This quote reminded me of my Grandfather (he lived with us)…when we moved he planted a Buckeye tree in the back yard & often said he would never get to enjoy the shade of that tree. It had a long & beautiful life giving us much joy & shade, out living him by over 40 years… As I think about it now that tree was our Family tree…when my Mother moved in with me & sold that house the tree fell….a sign that our Family’s time there was ending.
Roberta, Thank you for sharing this lovely story of your dear grandfather… And how that tree accompanied your family–until you finally had to sell the house. And I like your description of that tree as your FAMILY TREE! Melannie
I loved this article, Sister Melanie!! It reminds me of a quote which has various versions. It reads something like, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit” For me, it applies to our future generations as well. God bless….
Thank you for sharing this quote, Jim. Yes, it applies to all generations! Melannie
Dearest Sr. Melannie: Greetings from East Texas! Twenty years ago, my husband and I retired and bought this 7 acres of land which is my paradise! We bought it specifically because of the trees! We were gifted with red oaks, cedars, pines, cherry laurels, just to name a few! Over these years, my trees have been my friends. They have sustained me through joys, sorrows, death of my parents and siblings and finally recently my husband! Talking with, crying with, laughing with the trees is my solace and many days a saving grace! What wonderful videos!! Thank you so much for this gift today! Many blessings!❣️
Hi to you, Michelle, in East Texas! My sympathy to you on all the deaths in your family–especially your husband. I’m so glad you found some consolation in your friends, your trees… Melannie
This reminds me of Braiding Sweet Grass! A wonderful book!
Joni, I love the book “Braiding Sweet Grass” and featured it on my blog a while back. Anyone interested can type the name of the book in the search block at the upper right. Thanks for reminding me of a beautiful book! Melannie
I grew up in Texas. We had a huge oak tree in the backyard that gave up a lot of shade from the hot sun. My friends and I could play out there all day long. As a child, I would look at that tall tree, and think that it must reach all the way to Heaven. Such good memories of my childhood….