In this intriguing discussion, Charles Ver Straeten, a curator of sedimentary rocks, and Thomas Algeo, a geochemistry professor, explore the ancient forests that may have triggered a major mass extinction. They unravel how early trees transformed ecosystems and altered climates, possibly leading to oceanic crises. The guests share insights on the evolution of land plants, the Devonian plant explosion, and the link between ancient soil formation and today's environmental challenges, drawing compelling parallels to current ecological shifts.