When I was walking with Cliff (our dog) the other day at Chester Frost Park, I noticed some very big roots on top of the ground in front of a tree. I stopped to check them out. There was a large root in front of the tree and another behind. Another tree was nearby. I remembered what I had read (and recently seen again) in Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees about trees and their root system.
Not remembering all of it, I wanted to go back to the book and see what I could find.
Wohlleben writes that the roots "are the most important part of a tree." (82) A tree's "brain" is likely located in the roots, a storage mechanism that knows what is going on in around its environment. Wohlleben notes that "it is now an accepted fact that the root network is in charge of all chemical activity in the tree." (82)
I find this fascinating about root tips:
"When a root feels its way forward in the ground, it is aware of stimuli. The researchers measured electrical signals that led to changes in behavior after they were processed in a "transition zone." If the root encounters toxic substances, impenetrable stones, or saturated soil, it analyzes the situation and transmits the necessary adjustments to the growing tip. The root tip changes direction as a result of this communication and steers the growing root around the critical areas." (83)
This explanation makes sense for what I've seen in nature. For example, the roots in the photo are above ground very likely because they are so close to the embankment and the roots needed to be on top of the ground because there wasn't much soil beneath them. How interesting!
Finding roots above ground is interesting, admittedly. But that isn't what awes me the most. It's how trees communicate with one another and support one another through the roots that intrigues me most.
Wohlleben offers additional information about the roots on roadsides:
"If you look at roadside embankments, you might be able to see how trees connect with each other through their root systems. On these slopes, rain often washes away the soil, leaving the underground networks exposed. Scientists in the Harz mountains in Germany have discovered that this reality is the case of interdependence, and most individual trees of the same species growing in the same stand are connected to each other through their root systems." (3)
Trees value community and help one another in community. Their roots play a vital role in this, as water and other nourishment are passed along through the roots. "Every tree [...] is valuable to the community and worth keeping around for as long as possible." (4)
Community, for trees, extends to trees of other kinds. They connect with one another at the root level, very likely if they are close in proximity to each other.
"Tree roots extend a long way, more than twice the spread of the crown. So the root systems of neighboring trees inevitably intersect and grow into one another--though there are always some exceptions." (10)
As I reflect on the tree in the photo and the readings from Wohlleben, once again I learn from nature. Since nature is God's first book (as Creator God first "wrote" creation), it makes sense that we can learn about the character of the Creator, ourselves, and how to live from nature. We can see the Creator in creation. We can see ourselves, as we are created in the image of the Creator.
This time I am reminded by nature that I am not alone. That I am connected to others who will provide nourishment when needed. I am in community. My own roots extend further out than my canopy-- twice the spread, I am reminded. Therefore, I am connected with others far and wide. I am also reminded that if the soil gives way from the embankment or if there are obstacles along the way, the roots are resilient. They will continue to find their way, they will continue to grow.
I've shared from my "Advice from a Tree" nature journal in the past, but it seems appropriate to share again here since I've been writing about trees lately.
Here is the poem by Ilan Shamir in the "Advice from a Tree" nature journal:
Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!
As you reflect on tree roots from the photos and the readings, I invite your thoughts in the comments.
We are all on this adventurous journey together. May we support one another along the way.
Rev. Deb
[Photos are mine. Taken at Chester Frost Park, 4/30/22]
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