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I was curious and looked it up. Apparently it mostly happens between trees of the same species, with several causes.

Most are mechanical. The tips brush against each other, and damage new balances and leaves. Both trees divert growth away from the area.

Some also sense shading via red light. They focus growth away from shade. This means neither tree grows into the gap, since they are partially shading each other.

It also helps limit the spread of leaf eating parasites. Again, particularly useful in a forest of the same species.

So yes, the trees are social distancing, to avoid the spread of disease.

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stebo02@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

I was curious and looked it up.

Lol I thought you said you looked up at the trees

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BedSharkPal@lemmy.ca ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
So you’re saying the trees can accomplish what humanity never could.

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- cynar@lemmy.world ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
  Considering how little conflict we currently have, compared to our population size, we are doing extremely well. Unfortunately, the conflicts remaining are spectacular enough to counter that.
  
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- Deceptichum@sh.itjust.works ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
  We did a good job down here, sounds like your country must’ve sucked at it.
  
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  - Aussiemandeus@aussie.zone ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
    Australia?
    
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    Deceptichum@sh.itjust.works ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
    Ye.
    
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Haagel@lemmings.world ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
Trees hella smart.

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knorke3@lemm.ee ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
balances -> branches* :)

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And009@lemmynsfw.com ⁨9⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago
I think there’s also a corelation on how dense a forest can get because it affects the sunlight in ground too. If it gets too dark then life would rot underneath

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