Why We Often Fail to Notice Trees:‘Plant Blindness’ and How to Cure It

Most people can identify a robin or a deer at a glance, yet walk past dozens of trees without noticing them. Scientists call this tendency to overlook plants as active living organisms plant blindness. Our brains often treat trees as scenery rather than as living systems that breathe, communicate and defend themselves, support wildlife, and respond to environmental change. Seeing trees as background objects affects public support for tree protection and urban forestry, since we are more likely to care for what we truly notice. Find out more about plant blindness—and how to cure it.

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