The stories our trees tell: Why we need to listen before we cut them down

The stories of the trees in a small plot hold great significance, and they are often overlooked until it's too late to save them. One such tree, the Australian bottlebrush, was planted by the author's mother 40 years ago and has faced numerous challenges. The tree underwent a traumatic event when a car crashed into it, leaving it bent at a dangerous angle.

Additionally, heavy rain caused the foliage to become too heavy, making it appear as though the tree would soon collapse. Despite these challenges, the bottlebrush eventually recovered and blossomed with thousands of scarlet flowers, attracting a myriad of creatures such as bees, wasps, birds, squirrels, and monkeys. Its resilience and ability to attract life is a testament to the importance of trees in our ecosystem.

Another tree that stands out is the curry patta, which once seemed like a meager sapling. It was planted with little expectation of survival, especially considering the renovations that made the lawn resemble a battlefield. However, the curry patta proved to be resilient and now forms a large canopy, providing essential shade for the mosambi tree planted next to it.

This young mosambi tree had a fruitful summer, but other seeds such as a mango seed and a kumquat plant have also managed to grow, despite initial hurdles. The kumquat tree produces kumquats in abundance, while the nimbu tree struggles to receive adequate sunlight. The presence of a scraggly guava tree adds to the variety of life supported by these trees, along with the graceful golden bottlebrush.

These trees, though silent, play a crucial role in supporting a diverse community of creatures, including insects, arachnids, birds, reptiles, and rodents. They also communicate with each other through an extensive underground fungal network and exchange nutrients. When a tree is cut down, it not only eliminates the habitat for these creatures but also disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

This is why it is crucial to respect and protect trees, especially venerable old giants that provide shade and solace to communities. Protecting these trees is not only essential for the environment but also for the cultural heritage of our communities.