Plugging Into Trees

Johnny Appleseed is the nickname for a legendary American man from the 1800s. He made it his mission to plant many apple trees in various states during his lifetime. Appleseed is probably best known for being a conservationist. Should he also be known as one of America’s first supporters of modern electricity?

Trees are a tremendous source of energy. Recent studies conducted by MIT and the University of Washington have shown that maple trees in particular can also generate electricity. Trees can create several hundred millivolts of electricity, in fact. Scientists are researching all the ways this natural energy can be tapped and used. Custom converters are necessary for tree electricity to generate enough voltage to run low power outlets, but it can be done. Companies in the business of renewable energy are working as quickly as possible to bring this technology to life.

Perhaps one day trees will be used like natural batteries. Developments for devices and sensors that can be plugged right into the trees are happening now. The detection of forest fires could be conducted right at the source of forest life. Electric cars might someday be plugged directly into the trunk of the tree your children climb. Is your cell phone dead? It's looking like someday you could head to the park to charge it up.

Since Johnny Appleseed's day, we've learned that trees give us much more than just fruit, nuts and shelter from the elements. As modern research continues, an important thing to consider is the impact of tapping the electricity of trees on the ecosystem. Some researchers are being mindful of the plants and animals that might be affected and how. Aesthetic concerns are warranted, too. What would a world of trees connected by wires look like and become?

Sustainable energy requires a delicate balance between humans and the earth. We found a way to sell water by bottling it. Will the use and enjoyment of trees one day become a complicated and political issue due to their rising value as an energy source? Time will tell. Scientists and conservationists of today agree that natural electricity from trees is greatly beneficial. As the bigger questions lurk while the technology of this energy changes, take a long look at your favorite tree. It’s possible that tree huggers might also be tree "pluggers" someday.

Can a maple create electricity? Your backyard tree is more powerful than you might think.