“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
Kahlil Gebran
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Chinese proverb
No one wrote as eloquently about the influence of trees on human life as the late Professor Aubrey Manning, but I will try to put in words, however modest, my own gratitude and love for the healing powers of trees. There is also the recently discovered – in the last two decades – astonishing secret life of trees. It is important to write about these findings because our ignorance still allows us to cut down trees that made our streets cleaner, healthier and beautiful, cut down trees that are in our countryside but along railway lines, and even trees in our gardens to make space for cars, sheds and other ‘essentials’.
Recently, the distressing and witless destruction of the iconic and much-loved Sycamore Gap tree has been reported in the news.
Courtesy of Evening Standard:
“Fair Albion” by Patrick Hawes:
Meanwhile, there has been an unprecedented increase in cases of asthma, especially in children living in cities, and an increasing level of people experiencing mental problems. I realise that there are many complex reasons involved, but for those who live surrounded by the concrete jungle in many cities, it must be a sure road to depression, boredom and often crime. In one of my other posts, I quoted Dr Max Pemberton and the study in Michigan that connected drab views from prison windows with repeated offending of prisoners, as opposed to those inmates who were looking at trees and green bushes.
Surviving my turbulent childhood was all down to my living surrounded by trees of the mountain forest. The three-mile walk to school was down the mountain’s dry stream bed, which created a rough but much shorter passageway than the elegant serpentine road that spanned the mountain like an asphalt ribbon. My best friend, Eva, was as much fascinated by Greek Mythology stories as I was, and we would roam through our patch of dense woods ‘building’ temples: mine was to Selene, the goddess of the Moon, and hers to Diana, the huntress. We were never bored because to play in the sun-dappled, green density of the woodland, with the intoxicating scent of pine needles, soft moss under our bare feet and birds chirping overhead, was as close to paradise as any 10-year old child could get.
“Song to the Moon” by Antonín Dvořák
At the same time, I read all the books by the legendary naturalist Grey Owl. His story of saving two baby beavers and life in the vast forests of Canada captivated people all over the world. He travelled the world, speaking even to the royals in England. His passionate message was simple: we must protect Earth’s environment, animals and forests in particular. Trees are Earth’s lungs and we need clean air, or we will destroy our future.
There is so much we are still learning about the secret life of trees. For a few years now, we have known about the acacia trees in Africa. When one tree’s leaves are being munched by passing giraffes, it releases a powerful tannin through its surface pores. The smell is carried downwind and the next acacia tree picks it up and automatically releases its own tannin in response to the message. One of the readers of my blog, Tim who lives in Africa, observed that giraffes will never feed in the direction of the wind because all the trees would exude the tannin. Instead, they will be browsing against the wind on unsuspecting acacias. It is a remarkable case of communication between the trees, and no doubt, there is more to be discovered.
When Dame Judi Dench filmed a documentary about her beloved trees in the grounds of her six-acre garden, it was wonderful to hear the water travelling up the tree from its roots to the leaves, courtesy of a special listening device, and wonder at the technology. The fact, discovered not long ago, that older trees help and communicate with younger ones through a fungi network that connects their roots, is also mind-boggling. Her last comment: “I have always thought of my trees as part of my family and that there’s so much more to these magical beings than I realised. And now I know there is.”
There is also a growing realisation that being in daily contact with woodland helps people to recover from the daily stress of modern life: commuting, general overcrowding, pollution, and urban noise.
Our GPs are now prescribing organised walks through the woods for those needing to experience the healing power of trees. They are people with depression, anxiety, autism and even earlier stages of dementia. The courses are gaining in popularity, and not before time. Participants are taught the skills of working with wood (can you remember the intoxicating scent of fresh wood shavings?), surviving in the forest and observation skills – how many shades of green are there? It is quite moving to hear their tearful endorsements that without the woods they would be lost and without a will to live. Meeting with the wildlife of the woods, squirrels, and birds adds to the experience.
“Light Through the Trees” by Ian Aisling
For me, the greatest pleasure in May is to walk through the woods and admire the carpet of English bluebells that is stretching between the trees. And what can rival the magnificent beauty of magnolias and ornamental cherry trees? A feast for the eyes and soul. All of us should leave a legacy and plant a tree.
In 2019 the Chelsea Flower Show was for the first time in history dedicated not to flowers but trees. The slogan – Planting trees could save the Earth – was evident in many show gardens. My favourite was designed by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. It contained woodland, a bubbling stream, lots of pebbles, a willow den, secret pathways and huge ferns. Her children loved it. I admired her parenting skills when she showed baby Louis how interesting is a large pebble, its colour, and shape.
My own garden was created based on the same principles – masses of trees, climbing roses entwined into the trees, lots of wildlife, and an extra bonus of wonderful fruits at harvest time.
And the icing on the cake at harvest time:
In my post about the Duchy of Cornwall, I wrote about Prince Charles’s passionate belief in the importance of trees. He has already planted two hundred and fifty thousand trees and is planting more. The iconic, worldwide bestseller about the shepherd who was ‘The Man Who Planted Trees’ written by Jean Giono had one purpose; to make people love trees or more precisely, to make them love planting the trees: for who plants trees, grows happiness. Let’s join Prince Charles and get planting and grow happiness.
“Greensleeves”
And here to inspire us is a film Forest Man about Jadav Payeng who has been planting trees to save his island since the 1970s:
In 2023, the world’s oldest tree planting charity, International Tree Foundation, launched #Plantober, a new campaign to get us all planting and growing native trees during each October. Simply forage for seeds and grow them in old juice or milk containers, following the guide on internationaltreefoundation.org, with a view to planting out next year.
“The Tree” by Ludovico Einaudi:
PS Some suggestions for my fellow book lovers:
A classic to dip into:
A more recent rewarding read:
naturetails 
Great post Joanna. To us, there is nothing better than being on a walk surrounded by the trees, no matter where the forest is, in the boreal forests of Alberta, the alpine forests of the Rockies or walking among the giants in the temperate rainforests of the Lower Mainland in B.C., where we are right now. Today, we walked, carried and wheeled our grandbaby through parts of Stanley Park, so they could get to know the forest too. They smiled and laughed in pure delight. They get it already, at the age of 18 months. Have a wonderful evening. Allan
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Great post and topic. I truly believe that trees are almost spiritual in a sense. And I know that I always feel better after walking in a park–which is a close as I get to “nature.” So, I am a believer in the healing power of trees and nature. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the wonderful photos.
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Thank you, Diana, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Allan, for your delightful comments, which resonate with my thoughts too!
Joanna
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Trees are the greatest. It’s estimated that there are about three trillion trees on our planet. Two or three trillion more would be better, I think.
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Thank our, Neil, for your wonderfully perceptive comments, which truly resonate with my belief! I think that we should plant trees everywhere that is a bare soil and leave the legacy of clean air to our children and their children.
Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna, for the post which opens with a poignant quote from Kahlil Gibran, perfectly setting the tone for what unfolds as a heartfelt love letter to trees. Their healing powers, especially evident during the Covid era, reminded us of nature’s silent strength. Ayurvedic medicine bolstered our immunity, and as you’ve noted, even general practitioners have begun prescribing walks in the woods to counter the ailments of modern life. Practices like tree hugging and forest bathing are no longer fringe ideas—they are increasingly recognised as essential to our well-being.
Trees are more than poetry—they are the lungs of the Earth. Without them, humanity has no future. Yet, driven by ignorance and short-term gain, we recklessly clear forests in the name of development, often with little justification. Such destruction has dire consequences, as evidenced by the growing frequency of natural disasters around the world.
Your reflections on a childhood spent with your friend Eva among the trees are both touching and inspiring—a contrast to the screen-dominated lives of children today, who often seek connection through social media that is, ironically, not very social.
The giraffe -acacia story, Dame Judi Dench’s documentary, and research on tree communication reveal the hidden intelligence of trees—living beings that interact with their environment in ways reminiscent of animals. It’s no wonder that both flora and fauna are regarded with equal reverence.
Your garden stands as a shining example of harmony—a sanctuary of trees, flowers, fruits, and wildlife. I’m not sure if King Charles still shares his past enthusiasm for trees, but I have no doubt your passion will remain steadfast.
What moved me most, however, was your mention of Forest Man of India, Jadav Payeng from Jorhat (Assam), India. His decades-long dedication to planting and nurturing trees on a barren sandbar of the Brahmaputra River transformed it into the lush Molai forest in Majuli island. That shows the power of one. The 16-minute video capturing his journey speaks volumes.
Thank you, Joanna, once again, for inviting us to truly see and feel the lives of trees through your thoughtful curation of stories, audios, visuals, and recommended readings.
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Trees and champagne! I like that idea. The planet could probably be saved by a few good people planting trees and caring for Nature. I can testify to the fact that she rescues us from depression. Moving out to the countryside did it for me after living so long in suburbia. Your roses are stunning Joanna and I am sure you spend many hours caring for your garden. Still you find time to make your wonderful posts that are such a gift. Bless you!
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments! The roses are pleasure to look after!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Kaushal, for your wonderfully analytical comments! As always, you have mentioned every detail of my post! As you know, everything about India, I know that you visited Majuli island, but didn’t meet Jadav. I am admiring the wisdom of this man who achieved so much without anyone telling him to do so. I wish I had more space in my garden to plant more trees like Dame Judy did. Thank you again, Kaushal, for your beautiful words, which are deeply appreciated and made my day!
Joanna
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PS. Thank you, Carolyn, for your uplifting words, which made me very happy!
Joanna x
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Heavenly share, Joanna. 🌳 All wonderful! I love the bowl of apples. It is quite enjoyable to pick fresh apples and make apple pie. Never as good as my grandma’s but I’ve tried. 🍎
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Thank you, Michele, for your wonderful comment! I am sure you make an excellent apple pie!
Joanna x
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You’re welcome and you’re very sweet. 🥧x
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Thank you, Michele, my daughter is called Samantha too!
Joanna x
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I remember that. 🥰 Hugs to you and your Samantha.
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Now, Michele, who is sweet?
Joanna x
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🌺💐🌼
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XXX!
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A fabulous write up on trees with photos to match, Joanna. Trees are indeed magnificent! Enjoy your weekend. 💕🌳🌺
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It’s truly my pleasure. You’re right, Joanna, I had visited Majuli island and the forest, but couldn’t meet the Forest Man. Whatever you are doing in your garden is really great. Much appreciated!
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Thank you so much, Kaushal! As always, you are welcome! I do love my plants!
Joanna
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Thank you, Monica, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Good to read you again, Joanna! Your memories, insights, and reverence for trees are deeply touching. I especially loved the references to Grey Owl, Dame Judi Dench’s documentary, and the magical woodland temples from your childhood — all of it felt like a quiet call to remember what really matters. A truly inspiring read.
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Thank you, D, for your wonderfully perceptive comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Your words truly capture the quiet magic of trees, Joanna. They have such a deep connection with our lives. Nature has this way of grounding us and offering peace in the chaos of everyday life. I’ve been in nature this past week in a camp in the Himalayas, with no network access, which was the best feeling ever. We can all take a little wisdom from trees, with their patience, resilience, and quiet strength. Here’s to planting more trees and nurturing the ones we have, for the sake of our planet.
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Thank you so much, Ritish, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which are much appreciated! I envy you being in the Himalayas, the nature paradise on Earth!
Joanna
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Dear Joanna, another wonderful post only this time its is about my own favourite subject, trees! Some lovely music, fabulous pictures and your obvious love of trees and everything around them! Sending hugs to you, and all trees everywhere 🤗🌳🤗💌💓
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Thank you, Ashley, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments! Your words are much appreciated!
Hugs and blessings to you!
Joanna
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Senseless destruction of trees and green life is leading to the destruction of our planet
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Thank you, Sadje, for your kind comments, which are much appreciated.
Joanna
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passionate
The information you provided about the secret life of trees and their communication systems is fabulous.
When I walk in a wood I feel happy, I leave my worries aside and it seems that if I caress the bark of the trees I am transmitted so much serenity.
Unfortunately in the small town where I live all the green areas are being transformed into buildings, and trees are being cut down to make way for houses, shopping centers and parking lots.
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which are much appreciated! What you said about your town reminds me of what I wrote a long time ago in my post. One day, we will realise that you cannot eat cement or money.
Joanna x
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Thanks you so much for your kind reply and for sharing your reflection, which is so tragically true!
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Sadly yes! Thank you!
Joanna xx
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🙏🌳🙏
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XXX!
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It’s always my pleasure Joanna
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You’re very welcome, Joanna. Yeah, it’s just a 5-6 hour drive from where I live. I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the Himalayas.
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Indeed, you are, Ritish!
Joanna
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I love trees and I also have Meeting with remarkable trees ❤️❤️ I love the idea of a lovely letter to trees 🌴🌳🌱
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Thank you, Morag, for your beautiful comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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You are welcome, Joanna 😊
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Thank you!
Joanna
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There was a storm last night that brought the first rains . Two trees had bent to the ground with the winds and we had to bend them back straight again . Trees remind us up close of the full magic of nature
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Thank you, Ananda, for your wonderful comments and understanding that we are all connected. Helping trees, Ananda, was a right and kind thing to do.
Joanna
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Joanna, I like this post very much. While I was on Kauai, I went to the Sacred Forest near the Himalayan Monastery. It was so serene and quiet. The trees were beautiful and I actually connected with them by becoming g a “tree hugger”. Very spiritual. 🌲🌳🌴
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Thank you, Gail, for your wonderful comments, which resonate with my feelings about trees! Your wise thoughts are much appreciated!
Joanna
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I am drawn to palm trees. I find them full of character. Strange, huh, Joanna. 🌴🌴🌴
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I love all trees, Gail!
Joanna
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