How a tree grows successfully – using the Success-Thread (5-STEPS-to-Excellence) as an example

The strategies of trees are fascinating and diverse. Despite their supposed stillness and apparent immobility, trees have developed amazing adaptations over the course of evolution in order to survive successfully in their environment. From the search for light and water to defense against pests and competition for resources, trees pursue sophisticated strategies to ensure their growth, reproduction and survival.

A tree strives to grow large, have healthy branches and leaves and reproduce by producing seeds. This could be seen as a “success” for the tree.

Trees must adapt to their environment and the available resources. A tree can only grow as large as its environment (soil conditions, access to water, light, etc.) allows. Trees communicate with their environment, including other trees, fungi, insects and various organisms. This phenomenon is known as “tree communication” or “plant communication”.

Trees do not “plan” in the human sense, but they do adapt their growth strategies to their environment. For example, roots become deeper or wider depending on where water and nutrients are located. Trees follow different “strategies” to cope with the seasons.

A tree implements its “plan” through growth and development. It forms new branches, leaves and roots and produces seeds to achieve its “goals”.

Trees can release certain chemical substances, such as phytohormones, into the soil to interact with other trees and plants in their environment. These chemical signals can warn other trees of dangers, such as insect infestation or disease. Trees look for “allies” when faced with danger.

A tree “monitors” its success through its health and vitality. If there are enough nutrients, water and sunlight, the tree can thrive. If not, he has to adapt in order to survive.

Although this is a highly simplified view of tree growth and survival, it helps to illustrate the basic principles of the Success-Thread (5-STEPS-to-Excellence) in a broader context. Of course, trees do not go through these processes consciously; the phenomenon is the result of millions of years of evolution and natural selection.