Bowing Trees

By mid May most of the deciduous trees are finally decked out with their summer’s full regalia, and when they do, they respond to winds very differently from winter’s breezes. In cold weather, stripped of their leaves, these trees emit a soft whistle and whir, when the gentle wind flows through them. They bend but slightly, as they offer minimal resistance to the breeze. Fully leaved in spring, however, they present a much bulkier profile to the wind and so must bow to the breezes. They are also noisier in spring, as each leaf gets rattled and rustled about by the gusts, adding countless voices to the chorus.

Sitting quietly in the outdoor tub at this time of year, I can often hear the wind coming for several long moments, before I see it flowing through the trees on the hillside—much like “amber waves of grain.” Strong gusts were coming through the other night and I was enjoying watching the trees bow deeply in response. I was struck by how flexible a tree trunk is, as I watched the tops of the trees swing far to one side and then spring back.

What an exquisite balance a tree’s trunk shows, between suppleness and rigidity! Over millions of years of evolution trees have learned to have just enough stiffness to withstand strong winds by bending, but not so inflexible that they snap. They balance that with just enough elasticity to bend appropriately, but not so supple that they flop over.

Not too stiff, not too soft… just the right balance. Each species of tree has worked out its appropriate equilibrium—according to its height and shape. Furthermore, each individual tree must adapt that balance to its particular location—accounting for the soil its roots have delved into and the degree of its exposure to the weather. Only the fittest thrive.

A tree has to endure challenging conditions far beyond what we feeble humans can tolerate. A venerable oak must stand its ground for several hundred years—resistant not only to gales, but to the assaults of temperature extremes, diseases, insect invasions, and droughts. When things get tough we mobile critters can run for cover, but a tree must stubbornly stand and face it all.

No wonder we look up to a tree towering above us and find ourselves filled with awe. That awesome feeling can swell within us, when we watch that mighty trunk deeply bow to a strong wind, but then sprightly spring back upright. It’s like watching a ballet.