National Love a Tree Day (May 16)
National Love a Tree Day is a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the trees around us.
Whether you’re walking under a shady canopy or sitting beneath a favorite backyard oak, May 16th invites everyone to celebrate nature’s quiet giants.
Trees are not only vital to the planet’s health, but they also bring beauty, inspiration, and peace to our everyday lives. One of the most heartfelt weird holidays in May.
When is the Holiday?
National Love a Tree Day is celebrated each year on May 16th.
Who Invented It?
No single person or organization is credited with inventing this holiday.
It likely grew from the environmental movement of the late 20th century, aligning with global calls for sustainability and tree conservation.
The History of the Holiday
Though unofficial, the holiday gained popularity alongside the rise of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
As awareness grew about climate change and deforestation, so did the desire to celebrate trees for the life-giving force they are. It’s a grassroots celebration with global relevance.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
One large tree can provide oxygen for four people a day—a reminder of how vital trees are to life on Earth.
Urban trees can lower city temperatures by up to 10°F, helping reduce heat islands and energy use.
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), a Japanese practice of walking in wooded areas, is clinically proven to reduce stress hormones.
Trees communicate through underground fungal networks known as the “Wood Wide Web.”
Tree rings tell climate stories—scientists study them to understand past weather patterns and environmental shifts.
Activities to Celebrate
Plant a Tree – Even one sapling makes a difference. Choose a native species for maximum impact.
Go on a Tree Scavenger Hunt – Use printable prompts to find leaves, bark textures, and tree shapes.
Do a Leaf Rubbing or Tree Art Project – Use leaves or bark textures with crayons or paints.
Host a Backyard Picnic – Share a meal under your favorite tree.
Join a Local Cleanup – Help remove litter from green spaces and parks.
Adopt a Tree – Water and care for a tree in your neighborhood.
Read a Tree-Themed Book – Great for classrooms or bedtime (recommend The Giving Tree or Redwoods).
Related Recipes for the Holiday
Tree-Shaped White Chocolate Bark – Use pretzel sticks and green-colored white chocolate for tree “branches.”
Leaf Cookies – Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters and decorate with natural green icing.
Edible ChristmasTree Cones – Fill waffle cones with granola, dried fruit, and nuts to mimic tree textures.
Links to Resources
The Tree Book – A beautifully illustrated guide that helps kids (and adults) identify and appreciate different types of trees.
Life Cycle of a Christmas Tree Worksheet – A festive printable that walks kids through how evergreen trees grow, from seedling to decorated holiday tree.
Handprint Apple Tree Craft – A fun and simple activity for preschoolers and early elementary kids to create their own apple tree art.
Fingerprint Winter Tree Craft – This creative project uses fingerprint “snow” to decorate triangle trees—great for seasonal fun any time of year.
String Art Tree Tutorial – A hands-on craft perfect for older kids and teens who enjoy simple, creative DIY projects..
Trees of North America – A detailed field guide ideal for older kids, teens, and adults who want to learn more about native tree species.
Related Holidays
- Arbor Day (last Friday in April) – More formal, but shares the same tree-loving spirit.
- Earth Day (April 22) – Broader in scope, but deeply rooted in conservation.
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