When the Forest Speaks – Real-Time Data meets Sound Art

Trees grow mainly at night – a surprising finding revealed by our customer and partner TreeNet. With high-precision dendrometers installed on more than 600 trees across Switzerland, stem radius is recorded every ten minutes. These continuous measurements provide unique data on growth, water balance, and drought stress.

Three core indicators – stem growth, tree water deficit, and maximum stem shrinkage – allow researchers to assess tree vitality and species-specific responses to changing environmental conditions. Combined with soil and climate data, they make drought stress visible in real time and open new perspectives for forest monitoring.

Beyond the data, sound artist Marcus Maeder adds another dimension by translating environmental and climate signals into sound. In collaboration with scientists from TreeNet, he makes climate change literally audible – showing what rising temperatures mean for forests and ecosystems in ways that go beyond abstract numbers. Featured in the 3sat nano program (from 11:18) with Decentlab sensors in action.

Whether visible through TreeNet data or audible through sound art – these approaches make the impacts of climate change tangible and provide valuable foundations for resilient forest management.

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Watch TV program (only german)