The Hidden Life of Trees

What They Feel, How They Communicate - Discoveries from a Secret World

By: Peter Wohlleben

Narrated by: Mike Grady

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

How do trees live? Do they feel pain or have awareness of their surroundings? Research is now suggesting trees are capable of much more than we have ever known.

In The Hidden Life of Trees, forester Peter Wohlleben puts groundbreaking scientific discoveries into a language everyone can relate to.

In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of woods and forests and explains the amazing processes of life, death and regeneration he has observed in the woodland and the amazing scientific processes behind the wonders, of which we are blissfully unaware.

Much like human families, tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them and support them as they grow, sharing nutrients with those who are sick or struggling and creating an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group. As a result of such interactions, trees in a family or community are protected and can live to be very old. In contrast, solitary trees, like street kids, have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.

Drawing on groundbreaking new discoveries, Wohlleben presents the science behind the secret and previously unknown lives of trees and their communication abilities; he describes how these discoveries have informed his own practices in the forest around him. As he says, a happy forest is a healthy forest, and he believes that ecofriendly practices not only are economically sustainable but also benefit the health of our planet and the mental and physical health of all who live on Earth.

After a walk through the woods with Wohlleben, you'll never look at trees the same way again.

©2015, 2016 Ludwig Verlag, Munich, part of the Random House GmbH publishing group. Jane Billinghurst. Tim Flannery. “Note from a Forest Scientist” by Dr. Suzanne Simard. (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"The matter-of-fact Mr. Wohlleben has delighted readers and talk-show audiences alike with the news long known to biologists that trees in the forest are social beings." (The New York Times)

Revealing the Wonders of the Forest

A beautiful account of the authors observations and findings on the very social lives of trees. The findings are intuitive and make sense when you step into a forest. You can feel the truth of it in how comforting a healthy, undisturbed forest feels to be in. Yet it is fascinating to learn the intricacies and details of how trees live, love, and learn together. The forest certainly is more than the sum of its parts. Beautifully and fittingly narrated as well I might add.

Do you breathe? Read this book.

Would you listen to The Hidden Life of Trees again? Why?

I will listen to it or read it again. It taught me so much about what's happening beyond the seemingly static outside of a tree. It helped me understand how vital, lively, and utterly necessary a healthy forest is. This book is something every school kid should have on their reading list.

Did you know that trees have a nervous system? That they strategically plan their growth? Help and support their family and neighbors? Most trees have the equivalent of brains in their roots. I saw a video of a tree getting transplanted by a giant spading machine the other day. I'd seen it once before and thought how cool it was that the tree's life was spared. Now I understand it got the equivalent of a lobotomy and a severely shortened life. This book will change your understanding of the world in a gentle and engaging way.

Fascinating!

I really enjoyed this book. Both the writing and narration really pulls you into the life of trees. I see trees in an entirely new way.

A perfect audiobook

This is a true masterpiece. The brilliant narration both brought the book to life and left me feeling comfortable, as if my grandfather was telling me a story by the fireplace.
The authors knowledge and subtle passion for trees is as awe inspiring as the many secrets he reveals. I'll never look at trees the same way.
10/10 would listen to again

Fills you with awe and wonder

Fascinating, and excellent narration. if you like nature and learning new things, and if you look at the world with awe and wonder, and always suspected the trees were magical, then you will love this book.

Slow and deliberate, but fascinating

Any additional comments?

3.5 stars. This book introduces the reader to trees in unexpected ways. We learn about their growth and self-defense, their communities and communication, their variety and personality. The book's pace is deliberate and slow, not unlike its subject matter, but for those that wish to know more about a creature so ubiquitous that it can become inanimate and invisible, this is worth the time and patience.

wonderful!

it was lovely. the reader has a soothing voice, which made it easy to listen to. The information and descriptions of forests, trees, and ecosystems was well developed. Each chapter I looked forward to hearing the next.

Engaging reminder of our connection and responsibility to nature

Such a delightful book, read by the most perfect narrator to weave the story of trees like a delightful bedtime story that I never wanted to end. Get this book! Especially during this challenging time in our world. It will lift your spirit and heal your soul.

An Enjoyment to listen to

it's a book about trees. written by a guy who learned alot about, and liked trees. the narrators voice Carrie's the teachings well. if you want a book about trees, this is one of those.

Wonderfully informative

Every chapter brings a new "aha" moment. This is well worth the read if you spend any time in the forest. A truly awakening book for this outdoor educator.