Why Trees Smell Beautiful…

tree hug


“You know why trees smell the way they do?” Murphy asked, looking up from her hammering. “Sap?” Logan guessed. “Chlorophyll?” Murphy shook her head.  “Stars.  Trees breathe in starlight year after year, and it goes deep into their bones.  So when you cut a tree open, you smell a hundred years’ worth of light.  Ancient starlight that took millions of years to reach earth.  That’s why trees smell so beautiful and old.”

~ By Frances O’Roark Dowell in Where I’d like to be


Source: conflictingheart.  Image Source: madamescherzo

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44 thoughts on “Why Trees Smell Beautiful…”

    1. Yes Lori. Me too. I grew up around trees all my life. Big Pines. They do smell beautiful. And I saw this quote and said, aha, so that’s it! 🙂

  1. I too love the smell of wood. I have a 175 year old pine armoire that I sniff regularly :). Old, new, fresh cut, burning, live wood each with its own scent – Yum.
    p.s. I love doors too – especially the ones made of wood

  2. Just wonderful. I love this so much. Something to hold onto and think about often. I live in Redwood tree country in Northern California. They are the most amazing creatures.

    1. Michael, I keep forgetting that you live in Redwood county. Blogosphere makes you feel next door. Yes, Redwoods are in a class of there own. Thanks also for the share on Twitter Michael.

  3. I love this idea! That trees smell of ancient starlight. Absolutely brilliant! That sends my imagination off spinning in all sorts of directions! 🙂

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