In the great theater of nature, trees are the calm, quiet performers, standing tall while we humans rush around, usually too busy to notice their quiet work. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see they have been sharing their gifts with us for centuries…

… and yes, I’m talking about resin.

The sticky business of resin extraction

Tapping, or extraction of the resin, is the old-fashioned method of making small incisions in the bark of a tree and collecting the sticky, smelling liquid that drips from them. 

It once served as an important occupation. Tapped resin was processed to make turpentine and rosin, both employed in the manufacture of glue, paint, and even shoe polish.

Trees: the sneaky multitaskers

We brag about our ability to multitask, but trees have been multitasking for thousands of years. 

Trees release oxygen, form shade, provide habitat for birds, and, if tapped, release resin.

And none of this is done while sweating. 

Tapping trees to extract resin does not really prevent the tree from growing. In fact, some trees may even grow a little more around the tapping point, as if they want to say: “Fine, take some resin, I’ll just grow more”.

Embracing the forest’s gifts

Taking part in resin extraction is a great way to connect with nature. It is a reminder of the many things that the forest provides us with on a day to day basis. When we do it, we’re not just collecting useful materials – we’re also learning to appreciate the goodness and strength of trees.

So, the next time when you’re walking through a pine forest, take a moment to admire these quiet giants.

They’ve been sharing their resin with us for generations, asking for nothing in return.

And in their own quiet way, they might just be a reminder to slow down, enjoy the natural world and find something more meaningful than whatever it is you’re doing on your smartphone right now.