Trees Can “Talk” to Each Other Through Their Roots!

Trees might seem silent, but they’re chatting underground! Scientists have discovered that trees can “talk” to each other through a network of fungi called mycorrhizae, which connect their roots like a forest internet. This underground web lets trees share nutrients, warn each other about dangers, and even help their neighbors survive. It’s been dubbed the “Wood Wide Web,” and it’s been around for millions of years.

Here’s how it works: fungi wrap around tree roots, forming a partnership where the tree gives the fungi sugars, and the fungi help the tree absorb water and nutrients like nitrogen. Through this network, trees can send chemical signals to each other. For example, if a tree is attacked by insects, it can release a warning signal through its roots, prompting nearby trees to produce chemicals that make their leaves taste bad to pests. Older trees, called “mother trees,” even send extra nutrients to younger saplings to help them grow.

This tree talk was first studied in 1997 by ecologist Suzanne Simard in Canada’s forests, where she found that Douglas firs were sharing carbon with paper birches. It’s a reminder that nature is way more connected than we think. Next time you’re in a forest, imagine the trees gossiping beneath your feet—it’s a nature fizz fact that’ll make you see the woods in a whole new way. Share this with your friends and come back for more on Factfizz!