In his Agriculture Course, Rudolf Steiner regards the plant as an "inverted human being" and compares the root system with the human head, nerve and sense system. He relates the above-ground parts of the plant to human metabolism. We should therefore care for tree trunks and vines just as we care for the soil surrounding the roots of the plant. 

Tree paste according to Maria Thun consists initially of equal parts of cow pats and clay, which are mixed with whey. 

Trees are not fertilised via the soil humus, as herbaceous plants are, but via the bark. Beneath the bark lies the cambium; the fruiting wood sends its sinkers there and thereby draws the nutrients and nourishing forces for fruit formation.

Maria Thun developed tree paste in order to strengthen the cambium via the bark.

After three applications, a rejuvenation of the cambium formation can be achieved. In the root zone, the development of soil organisms is encouraged with mature compost, but not with heavy applications of fertiliser. This applies not only to forest trees but especially to fruit trees and shrubs. 

Tree paste can be applied several times between autumn and spring. In autumn, once the leaves have fallen, to strengthen the trunk and branches. After pruning, to seal pruning wounds and thus protect against possible diseases. In spring before bud break, to protect the plants from fungal infection, which is favoured by the rise in temperature.

We can dilute the tree paste with rainwater, whey or horsetail preparation until it can easily be applied with a brush or a distemper brush. The bark is first brushed off. The tree paste is then painted onto the entire trunk with a brush, like distemper. The thinner branches can also be sprayed with tree paste. For this, it is diluted with water and filtered well until it can be sprayed.

The tree paste should be transferred to a stoneware container and stored in a dark, cool place. It is fine if a little mould forms on top. This can be roughly skimmed off before the next use, and the tree paste diluted with sufficient dynamised horsetail preparation.

For the cold winter days, it is advisable to also add dynamised valerian preparation to the mix.