If you’ve taken a walk through Van Luyk’s nursery space recently, you may well have noticed some mysterious red tags hanging off of some of our evergreens and deciduous trees.

Trees are the most prominent and important features in the garden. Every other plant in the garden is viewed in the context of our choice of tree. Not only are trees a worthy investment (the right tree can eventually increase your property value by 10%, more on that in our Choosing A Tree Info Sheet), they also have symbolic importance. It is common for us to plant a tree to commemorate important occasions – weddings, anniversaries, retirements, the passing of a loved one – and as it turns out, every tree has a rich backstory that more often than not aligns in some way with our own path through life.

Since the beginning of civilization, trees have commanded our respect and awe. As such, they’ve been the subject of countless myths, legends, and fragments of folklore and in some fashion have been woven into the fabric of just about every culture and religion on earth.

Consider the birch, a tree that throughout history has been associated with themes of personal growth, renewal, and adaptability – an ideal gift for a friend who has gone through difficulty and emerged with prosperity. Alternatively, consider an oak tree to commemorate a promotion: oaks are representative of wisdom, power, and leadership. Or perhaps the pine, a tree for those dedicated individuals who do important but thankless work, is better-suited.

Every tree has a story, and we’ve made an effort to bring some of these stories to light. The next time you choose a tree to commemorate something, remember to check those little red tags for some additional information about the history of the tree you’re considering.

Considering planting a tree and not sure where to start? Start here with our Choosing A Tree Info Sheet.