Trees avoid touching each other due to “crown shyness.” The results are beautiful webs of leaves. … When researchers were able to prevent wind-induced collisions between trees, they filled in the canopy. Another theory for timid tree branches hinges on their ability to sense nearby plants.

Do all trees have crown shyness?

This beautiful phenomenon is called crown shyness. Crown shyness doesn’t happen all the time, and scientists aren’t completely certain why it happens at all. There is some evidence that it most commonly occurs with similarly-aged trees, especially stands of the same species. But it can occur in any forest.

Why do some trees have crown shyness?

A natural phenomenon called “crown shyness” occurs because the uppermost branches of certain tree species don’t like to touch one another. No one knows for sure if trees are trying to reduce the spread of harmful insects, protect their branches from cracking in the wind, or maximize photosynthesis.