Apple Tree Lessons

by Faith
(Mesa, AZ, USA)

Apple trees are well known for producing a great fruit, as well as the beautiful white and pink flowers. It is no wonder that there are many stories about these wonderful trees all throughout history and in many religions. Many believe that the spirit of the tree has so much to teach someone because of the bounty of fruit the tree hold in autumn.

As someone who has grown many apple trees, I agree with this thought. I have personally seen how the trees can be easily damaged, and at the same time nearly always grow back in coming years. I have also watched as older trees stand to storms and other natural elements that the young trees cannot. These trees are some of the best teachers of resilience.

These trees can also teach us how to age gracefully. As a tree ages, they grow more and more, causing the fruit to actually stop growing or turning bad. With just a little care and pruning, an older tree can give out more and sometimes sweeter fruit than a young tree. Just as with a human body. As we grow, our body changes, and with care and exercise, we can keep our bodies in great shape, producing “fruit” for younger generations with more wisdom with each passing year.

There are so many other lessons that these trees can teach someone, if you slow down and pay attention to them. Even if you don’t feel that you can learn from a tree, you can gain nourishment from their fruit, and enjoyment from relaxing on a summer day in their shade as the flowers shower down upon you.