When a Tree Falls, the Forest Keeps Growing. At Finca San Francisco, nothing goes to waste.

A few weeks ago, after several days of heavy rain and strong winds, one of our old avocado

shade trees fell and another common Pepeto (Inga sp.). These trees were probably planted 40-

50 years ago and it is time for them to return to nature and rest.

Seeing a tree on the ground is always emotional. Trees are part of the history of a farm. They

provide shade for our coffee, shelter for birds, improve the soil, and become part of our daily

landscape.

But nature also teaches us that every ending is the beginning of something new.

Instead of removing the tree from the farm, we cut the branches into manageable pieces and

left them on the forest floor.

Instead of removing or burning the wood, we alow nature to slowly transform itinto organic mater that enriches the soil, conserves moisture, supports biodiversity, and nourishes future generations of coffee trees.

Why?

Because fallen trees are not waste.

They become part of the natural cycle that keeps a healthy forest alive.

As the wood slowly decomposes, fungi, bacteria, insects, and other soil organisms transform it

into organic matter. That organic matter enriches the soil, helps retain moisture during the dry

season, reduces erosion, and gradually releases nutrients that nourish future generations of

coffee trees.

The leaves become mulch.

The branches protect the soil.

The trunk becomes habitat for countless living organisms.

Eventually, the tree returns to the earth that once nourished it.

This is how forests have renewed themselves for thousands of years.

Nothing is wasted. Everything becomes life again.