By Gail Marsh
“If a tree falls in the forest and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?” The answer may befuddle some, but what I want to know is, “Will other trees watch it happen?”
Do trees have eyes? The answer may surprise you and perhaps make you wonder, “Are the trees watching me?”
Trees DO have eyes!
If you enjoy hiking in the many wonderful forests scattered across our great country, you may have already discovered this truth for yourself: Trees have eyes! No, I’m not talking about eyes like ours that can actually see, but the “eyes” on trees just might help you see to find your way if you somehow wander off the trail.
Abscission
Let me explain. Branch shedding (called abscission) is a natural process in which trees shed twigs and branches whose leaves are continually shaded. These shaded leaves are unable to capture the light necessary for photosynthesis and so their branches are of no use to the tree.
Gradually, the tree’s resin will form a kind of seal over the point where the trunk and branch meet. Once this seal is complete, the branch no longer has access to nutrients and water. It will die and eventually drop from the tree’s trunk. What’s left behind is a spot in the bark that resembles an eye. Some trees even have a line over the eye that looks like an eyebrow! These “tree eyes” are easiest to find on trees with smooth trunks, but all trees have them.
So what?
Here’s the thing: The “eyes” can help you see—or navigate through the forest. Trees generally grow more branches on their southern-facing side, especially in dense forests. So, when a tree sheds branches, it will have the most “eyes” on its southern side. You can use these “southern eyes” to find your way back to your RV! Once you find the trees’ “southern eyes,” you can quickly determine north, east, and west.
See, I told you trees have eyes!
Practice looking for “southern eyes” on trees the next time you hike. Soon, you’ll be able to spot them more easily.
Have you ever used trees or other natural features to help you navigate in the forest? Tell us about it in the comments below.
##RVT1123
Add the directional knowledge to ‘moss on the north side’, sun and moon move east to west, and knowing how to find the north star. While not perfect, non-stormy weather tends to move in a prevailing direction. Usually from a westerly direction in the northern hemisphere. Watch for cloud movement. If calm and you are next to a lake, look for sand ridges just offshore. They are formed perpendicular to wind-driven wave action. They tend to run north-south if you are on the east or west side of the lake. If you are on the north or south shores, the ridges will have a more swirled appearance as the sand moves with the waves, but encounters drag from the shoreline.
And me? I’m a dumb city dweller and pretty much always have some form of compass with me. You may have to install an app, but nearly every smartphone has a built-in electronic compass function.
Thank you, Gail. I’ll see if our trees are well-behaved and have eyes on their southern-facing side. Thank you for the tip!
Prevailing winds are different in different parts of the country. From Missouri West to the Eastern slopes of the Rockies they tend to be from the South west. So if you’re in Eastern Colorado. New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas you’re generally getting winds from the Southwest.
Would love a credit for this if it came from my book, How to Read a Tree?
https://www.naturalnavigator.com/books-and-library/how-to-read-a-tree/
Thanks!
Hi Tristan,
I learned the information from a park ranger, but I am excited to read your book. Thanks for commenting!
Gail
Thanks, Tristan. Gail responded to you while I was browsing your excellent website with tons of interesting information: The Natural Navigator. I have a feeling I’ll be doing a lot of research on your site regarding my 18+ acres of gorgeous, undeveloped mountain property with a creek running through it. Thanks, Tristan! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane aka Mountain Mama at RVtravel.com
I’m setting looking at 2 trees
Neither has any eyes on the south side more on the east side but a few larger ones on the west.
I’d be screwed if I depended on tree eyes
If you plan on coming out the same way you went in, turn around occasionally and study your back trail. Remember certain features (rocks, hills, odd trees, etc. ) that can be queues you are on the right track as you return. Don’t just look at close things, look at the “bigger” view as well. Having already seen and studied your return trip in advance can help a lot to ensure you stay on the right path..
One thing that I would suggest is that, when you stop to look back, take a picture with your phone. Then, on your return trip, is you feel uncertain — check your phone.
Thank you, Gail! That is an interesting fact; thanks. No, never navigated back to a trail after losing it. Don’t go in the woods much. Not much keen to happen upon a rattlesnake or copperhead. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂
I got lost in the woods once as a tweener. The best thing I learned is to, first, not panic, and second, start looking closer to the world around me. I got lost in the woods as an older teen, but could see features that would get me out – I expected a long walk as I had limited knowledge of the area’s total topography. But did not panic and actually encountered an older more knowledgeable person in the woods who put me on a shorter path. The sun, moon, wind and vegetation are all forms of a compass. It might still be a long walk, but I know how to get there.
And downhill almost always leads to a stream, and streams almost always lead to a river, and rivers almost always lead to a city. At least where there are trees. In the west, downhill may lead to a flash flood.