The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World (The Mysteries of Nature, 1)

A NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER - One of the most beloved books of our time: an illuminating account of the forest, and the science that shows us how trees communicate, feel, and live in social networks. After reading this book, a walk in the woods will never be the same again.

"Breaks entirely new ground ... [Peter Wohlleben] has listened to trees and decoded their language. Now he speaks for them."--The New York Review of Books

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BRAINPICKINGS - HONORABLE MENTION: SEJ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award - Shortlisted: Audible International Book of the Year Award - Books For a Better Life Award - Indie Choice Award--Nonfiction Book of the Year

Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.

"A declaration of love and an engrossing primer on trees, brimming with facts and an unashamed awe for nature."--Washington Post

"Heavily dusted with the glitter of wonderment."--The New Yorker

Includes a Note From a Forest Scientist by Dr.Suzanne Simard

Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute

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Published Sep 13, 2016

288 pages

Average rating: 7.35

110 RATINGS

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What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say this book inspires awe by revealing trees as social, intelligent beings that communicate, support, and even “care” for one another, deepen...

Sue Dix

Mar 14, 2026

10/10 stars

I’m ashamed that it took me so long to finish this book as it is eminently readable and I loved it! It got buried in a pile and unearthed due to a September readathon, thank goodness. I am obsessed with trees, and this book satisfied my obsession, completely. I think that J.R.R. Tolkien was prescient in his creation of his tree beings, the Ent. Trees communicate and migrate and care for each other. They are amazing! Read this book!

Nona1

Mar 15, 2026

Proper tree care is extremely important because healthy trees make the environment safer, cleaner, and more beautiful. When I needed help organizing and managing tree work, I found arbostar.com https://arbostar.com, and it really helped streamline the process and made everything much more efficient. Thanks to tools like this, tree care companies can do their work faster and more professionally.

anne ducastel

Jan 08, 2026

8/10 stars

Just amazing and humbling

Margie Pettersen

Oct 27, 2025

8/10 stars

I learned so much from this fascinating book.

Lindseyd

Jul 27, 2025

10/10 stars

Book Review: A New Respect for Trees When I first came across this book, I thought, How can there possibly be a whole book about trees? I expected something factual or even dry — but what I discovered was far more profound and moving. As I read on, my respect for trees grew twofold. The book reveals how trees are much more social, intelligent, and compassionate than we give them credit for. They communicate, support one another, and even show signs of empathy — all without a single word. In many ways, they display more strength and community spirit than humans do. This book completely changed the way I view the natural world. It’s not just about plants or science — it’s about connection, resilience, and the quiet power of nature. An amazing and thought-provoking read that I would highly recommend to anyone, even those who never thought they’d be interested in trees.