I’ve been thinking about the attachment that we have to certain trees in our lives. They may have a special meaning to us and our families witnessing engagements, family gatherings, celebrations and goodbyes, and are introduced to each new family member. Others may be a marker that stands out in the landscape that people pass daily and maybe say ‘hello’ to, or maybe it signifies ‘home’ towards the end of a long journey or time away – once they pass they’re ‘almost there’. Maybe their shoulders relax and chest seems to swell with a bit of happiness or gratitude when they see it.  

I think it tends to be trees in isolation, that stand out and catch our eye, like an old friend – a constant unassuming presence almost obstinately ‘unchanging’ but steadfastly marking time. You expect them to be there forever and it’s a shock when they’ve gone. 

There are a few that I know that I always look out for when I’m in their area and it always makes me feel better to see them still there, without me really realising the effect that they have on me. Each one has its own character, personal traits, habitat and micro-community. 

When our daughter was about two, she’d give a tree a hug. One day she said, “this tree smells different!” Different to what? “To the other tree”. I don’t think I’ve ever smelt a tree before, at least not that I could remember. She was right…I checked! Funny what kids notice that adults don’t. 

Photo of Sycamore Gap, Northumberland National Park by MarkGodden via Adobe Stock