Research in forest – Watercolor painting trees

Our understanding of trees is expanding

Text and watercolors by Frits Ahlefeldt

Just a few years ago the (scientific) understanding of trees was very different from today. New research show that trees can do things like communicate, connect, and maybe even plan, share and coordinate resource use… Abilities that only a few years ago was thought strictly reserved to humans – and then maybe a few animals. But new knowledge of trees connects them, not only to each other, but also to human thrive, recovery, climate resilience, architecture, biodiversity and smart-resource management. Walking among trees is now something doctors tell their patients to do to recover, and planting trees is what cities vision, not only between the buildings but all over them too

I went to the forest today with my backpack, watercolor gear and old easel to be among and study these creatures – here is a couple of the watercolors from today: