Wohlleben is a professional forester who helps to manage a forest in the Eifel mountains in Germany. The author recounts how, at the beginning of his career as a forester, he viewed trees and forests through the narrow lens of commercial profit. His training and work experience required him to be able to judge the profitability of different types of lumber, and he explains that this greatly impacted the way he viewed the trees he worked with every day. He explains that forests planted by people for commercial gain differ greatly from natural forests, which plant and maintain themselves. He impresses upon readers how important trees are to the world and writes that his book will show why forests matter on a global scale. He also claims that it is crucial for humans to have an appreciation for trees in order to leave some forests undisturbed by human activity.

Wohlleben’s career became more varied as he guided survival tours, started an alternative ecological graveyard, and established a forest preserve for ancient trees. He also began learning more about the forest he worked in from other professionals from Aachen University who began to regularly conduct research in the forest. He explains how this newfound appreciation inspired him to change his forest management

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