it takes a long time to cultivate trees; often used as the first half of a proverb to contrast the time needed for physical growth with the much longer time needed for human education

the scientific study of trees

A proverb meaning that nurturing talent is a long-term project that requires patience and effort. It suggests that while growing timber takes time, the education and development of human beings is a far more profound and enduring task.

To see only the parts but not the whole; to be unable to see the wood for the trees.