Have you ever felt drawn to a specific tree—and wondered why? You might already be receiving messages without realizing it.

In this episode of Growing Joy, I sat down with intuitive nature expert and green witch Rachael Cohen of Our Infinite Nature to explore one of the most fascinating and overlooked topics in the natural world: tree communication. From the underground mycelial networks to intuitive connections and bioelectrical signals, this conversation will change the way you see the trees around you.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] Rachael’s back for another intuitive talk about trees!
• [03:03] Launching the Intuitive Moon Community
• [04:23] Upcoming  Reiki mentorship program
• [05:36] How do nature and trees support mental health?
• [07:51] Why we feel more “rooted” around trees than houseplants
• [09:47] Can trees actually touch us back? The TikTok tree trend
• [11:27] The science of tree communication: phytochemicals and warning signals
• [13:21] How trees share resources underground via the mycelial network
• [14:52] Give a gift that creates lasting memories with personalized chimes from Wind River Chimes!
• [16:39] AI, bioelectricity & PlantWave technology
• [19:44]  How can we deepen our connection with trees? (noticing, awareness, and intention)
• [22:52] How different people experience tree messages (clairvoyant, clairsentient, claircognizant)
• [26:22] What are the different ways you can build a connection with a tree?
• [29:22] Rachael’s relationship with her “mother trees”
• [31:32] Looking up tree symbolism after following intuition
• [33:51] How nature speaks before you even know what it means
• [36:15] Rachael’s breathwork experience and grounding through a tree
• [37:50] Where did the term “tree hugger” come from?
• [39:16] A simple challenge for you: go notice a tree!
• [42:36] Where can you find Rachael’s socials and her upcoming offers?

 

 

 

Order my book!

Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!

 

 

Trees Are Talking, But Are You Listening?

Many of us have walked past a tree 1000 times and never noticed it. But then one day, something captures your eye. 

Rachel mentioned that the moment you notice a tree, you’re already in dialogue. Trees communicate in so many ways, both scientific and spiritual, such as through mycelial networks underground, chemical signals in the air (scents), and even energy exchanges that you can train your senses to feel.

 

 

What Is Tree Communication?

Tree communication refers to the many ways trees exchange information—with each other, other plants, and even us. While the idea might sound mystical, science now backs what ancient traditions and nature lovers have long intuited: trees are alive, aware, and interconnected.

Trees Talk—Here’s How

Trees communicate in multiple ways, including:

• Mycelial networks (aka the “Wood Wide Web”) that allow them to share nutrients, warn of danger, and nurture younger trees.
• Phytochemical signaling through scent, like the smell of freshly cut grass, which is actually a distress call.
• Bioelectric signals and water movement, which scientists are now learning to translate using AI and tools like PlantWave.

These mechanisms don’t just help forests thrive—they offer insight into how we might reconnect with the natural world on a deeper level.

 

 

The Science of How Trees Communicate

For decades, trees were thought to be in competition. But ecologists like Dr. Suzanne Simard proved that forests are actually collaborative ecosystems. Here’s how it works:

1. The Mycelial Network (Wood Wide Web)

Underground fungal threads connect tree roots, creating a vast internet of support and communication. Trees send sugars, water, and chemical signals through these networks—often with “mother trees” distributing resources to younger saplings.

 

2. Phytochemical Language

That “fresh cut grass” smell? It’s a warning signal. When under threat (from pests or mowing), trees release volatile organic compounds to alert nearby plants. This helps other trees boost their natural defenses.

 

3. Plant Technology & AI

New tools like PlantWave and research from Trinity College Dublin are helping scientists translate bioelectric signals from trees into sounds, music, and even phrases. Imagine a tree saying, “I am 85 years old. I feel water rising through my roots.” Science fiction? Not anymore.

 

 

4 Ways to Start Communicating with Trees

1. Notice Which Trees You’re Drawn To

Tree communication begins with awareness. If you feel connected to a tree in your neighborhood, that's your intuition tuning in.

 

 2. Try the “Hand-to-Heart” Method

Place one hand on your heart and one on the tree. Feel your heartbeat. Then focus on your tree hand—many people report sensing a pulse or energy shift. Say, “Thank you for this connection. Please share what you want me to know.”

 

 3. Use Visualization If You Can’t Be Outside

Imagine your energetic “roots” connecting underground with a specific tree. Picture your root systems intertwining and forming a connection through breath and stillness.

 

 4. Tune Into Your Intuitive Channel

We all receive intuitive information differently:

• Clairaudience – hearing words or phrases
• Clairvoyance – seeing images or visions
• Clairsentience – feeling physical sensations
• Claircognizance – simply knowing

Start by observing what you notice when connecting with trees—don’t overthink it.

 

 

The Benefits of Tree Communication

Even without mystical belief, being near trees is scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance your mood.

But Rachael and I believe it goes deeper. Trees are intelligent beings. We share commonalities: DNA, respiration, vascular systems, and a deep-rooted need for connection. As Rachael puts it: “Trees are our still-standing elders. They’ve been here before us and will be here after.”

 

 

A Simple Challenge: Go Notice a Tree

This week, I challenge you to slow down and notice a tree you've never truly seen before. Sit near it, lean your back against its trunk, or place your hand on its bark. Observe. Listen. Feel.

You don’t need to “believe” in tree communication to start benefiting from it. Just start showing up with openness and curiosity.

 

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Join Rachael’s Intuitive Moon Community
• Amazing Tree Touching Experience – Join the Challenge! | TikTok
• Book: The Overstory by Richard Powers
• Book: Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety by Rachael Cohen
• Book: Everyday Plant Magic by Rachael Cohen
• PlantWave
• Project gives 200-year-old Dublin tree ‘a voice'
• Growing Joy Episode 277: What Are Flower Essences and How Can They Help Me? with Katie Hess of Lotuswei
• Growing Joy Episode 294: I Found 22 Ducklings on My Roof: A Nature-Curious Story of Trust and Transformation

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Wind River Chimes

Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for an amazing gift that can help you or your loved ones grow joy and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect option. Plus, you can engrave the wind sail on the wind chime with meaningful dates, names, or phrases!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

 

 

 

Follow Rachael:

Website
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube

 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria