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19,898 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

tree - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

  • beech hedge
  • cherry tree
  • Christmas tree
  • conservation of plant resources
  • dappled light
  • eucalyptus tree
  • green leaves
  • native plant
  • old growth forest
  • photosynthesis
  • rainforest plants
  • transpiration
  • tree branches
  • tree canopy
  • tropical rainforest
Tell me again of brown poetry, of the majesty of weathered boughs and well anchored roots. Tell me again of their punk barnets, crowning the land at merest hint of heat. Tell me again because without the trees I am the lost and unfound.
The tree, an earth-heaven highway of browns, had not once been seen to grow since she were a wind-born seed. Yet daily, she became a giant stretching upward with wide protective boughs.
Into the jocund day the tree stands as cheerleader to each passing spirit.
The tree in the ever-hug of the atmosphere, crows the hillock and flourishes both wand and foliage.
Tree bark is the brown fingerprint of my soul, for as I touch it I feel a divine connection spark.
The tree leans into the sunny rays as if they were lovers in eternal trance.
Though black heavens and sun-lit days, the tree is sentry to landscape, the stoic guardian of so many souls.
The tree is the grand poem of the living world, a beauty that encourages the spirit to dance though words, to make our odes to it's branches that spread heaven-bound. And in the strong light of the new day it creates a kiss for the senses in those moving leaves, the thousand green hues and the soft whispering in the wind.
There in the centre of a million grassy wands stands a tree, her bark so patterned as if carved by her own rain-born flash rivers. She stretches up, as if so proud to stand there under the sun in any weather. How I wish she could see her own beauty, her green bounty and earthy browns, yet perhaps I should wish for her peace and the wisdom to simply be what I am.
I imagine each dancing leaf as one from a favourite book, each one with a story of nature, with its own lyrics of the wind and memories of the birds. Each one is art, a bold green with infinite nuance for the eye who dwells in awe and love. This tree, this mighty feat of nature, has taken so many years to grow, all of those tiny moments morphing imperceptibly into the present. Yet that's the thing about growth, it is only when we compare with a sense of the months and years past that we see such amazing changes.
In this light that paints my skin so warmly, the trees are dancing ladies, each in dresses more fabulous than any designer can craft. They move, choreographed by the wind, in perfect time with one another. They are the life and soul of this early summer morning, and I wonder how many hues of green my eyes are witnessing. As they stretch upwards and outwards toward the light, drinking in rays as pure as the rain, I stretch my arms up too, fingers spread toward the sun and slowly begin to dance.
Though the path is dark, cast into shadow by the tall mossy pines on either side, the sun must be brilliant beyond it. Every tree glows brightly virescent just at the edges of the trunks, a biological halo of sorts that brings a soothing happiness I've been missing these past few days.
The tree lifted his branches to the sky as if his very presence was enough to beat back the darkness and command the daylight to fall on his papery leaves. His bark shone like the right kind of gold, the sort that inspires the mind to heady heights of imagination, opening doors to fantastical kingdoms. It was no wonder that the tree is where Charlotte went when her soul needed to recharge, when all the money in the world felt cold but the touch of the trunk and strong branches felt like a hug from the heavens above.

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creative writing on trees

12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts

by Melissa Donovan | Jun 20, 2024 | Creative Writing Prompts | 16 comments

creative writing prompts

Nature inspires, and so do these creative writing prompts.

Today’s post includes a selection of prompts from my book, 1200 Creative Writing Prompts . Enjoy!

Creative writing prompts are excellent tools for writers who are feeling uninspired or who simply want to tackle a new writing challenge. Today’s creative writing prompts focus on nature.

For centuries, writers have been composing poems that celebrate nature, stories that explore it, and essays that analyze it.

Nature is a huge source of inspiration for all creative people. You can find it heavily featured in film, television, art, and music.

Creative Writing Prompts

You can use these creative writing prompts in any way you choose. Sketch a scene, write a poem, draft a story, or compose an essay. The purpose of these prompts is to inspire you, so take the images they bring to your mind and run with them. And have fun!

  • A young girl and her mother walk to the edge of a field, kneel down in the grass, and plant a tree.
  • The protagonist wakes up in a seemingly endless field of wildflowers in full bloom with no idea how he or she got there.
  • Write a piece using the following image: a smashed flower on the sidewalk.
  • A family of five from a large, urban city decides to spend their one-week vacation camping.
  • An elderly couple traveling through the desert spend an evening stargazing and sharing memories of their lives.
  • A woman is working in her garden when she discovers an unusual egg.
  • Write a piece using the following image: a clearing deep in the woods where sunlight filters through the overhead lattice of tree leaves.
  • Some people are hiking in the woods when they are suddenly surrounded by hundreds of butterflies.
  • A person who lives in a metropolitan apartment connects with nature through the birds that come to the window.
  • Write a piece using the following image: an owl soaring through the night sky.
  • A well-to-do family from the city that has lost all their wealth except an old, run-down farmhouse in the country. They are forced to move into it and learn to live humbly.
  • Two adolescents, a sister and brother, are visiting their relatives’ farm and witness a sow giving birth.

Again, you can use these creative writing prompts to write anything — poems, stories, songs, essays, blog posts, or just sit down and start freewriting.

Creative Writing Prompts

16 Comments

rory

lovely prompts… really simple line or two that just strikes up imagery and let you freestyle all over it. Nice one

Melissa Donovan

Thanks, Rory!

scott

thanks for the good ideas good short story for someone in grade 8

cmdweb

Thanks. I just read through your list of prompts and got flashes of either beginnings or endings for stories from every one. I’ve not seen prmopts like these much on the web, so well done. Such a simple idea with so much power and potential. If only I had the day off to get cracking!

I love to create and use writing prompts, and I’m glad you found these to be useful. Thanks!

Kristen

Hello. Supernatural or magic realism is pretty much all I write. I’ve got a prompt. ‘A young teenager is walking home during a storm and ends up getting struck by lightning. The next day they wake up to find that the accident turned them into an inhuman being.’ I’ve heard of this type of scenario before and I thought it would make for a great story. I love creating my own ideas of course but writing prompts are just fun challenge myself with and see what I can create out of already given ideas. I really like the prompts you give. As I said they are enjoyable to mess around with.

Thanks for sharing your prompt, Kristen. I agree that prompts are fun and can be challenging. I’m glad you like these. Keep writing!

Jennifa Neuman

#7 Woodland Clearing

Winter trees screen blue and sunny skies, Intense but icy light the heat belies. Spikey, naked, dormant maids and men Wait for the earth to turn around again.

And bring the warmth that touches every thread Of bark and twigs and all that acted dead Until the full-blown leaves create a wall Shortening the view until late fall

When sun and clouds break through the limbs again And show clear-cut those lacey maids and men Black for a time against the coldest air While waiting for the Spring to deck them fair

With leaves that seem to turn the world to green Creating hidden meadows only seen By animals and birds and mist and rains. For ages before calendars and trains.

Humanity intrudes in such a place And fools themselves that they have found a space Where they belong beneath the patchy light To rip and tear and exercise their might.

For meadow edges have no need to stand Between the woods and grassy, open land Where bugs and bears and buntings feel the sun. ‘Till people think they do what must be done.

April 27, 2019

Hi Jennifa. Thanks for sharing your lovely poem here.

Darla S

That is a stunningly good poem, Jennifa. Far more worthy than just an obscure comment thread here. I hope you found a home for it where more eyes will see it. If you are published anywhere, I’d love to find out.

Misha

Wow. These are truly amazing prompts! Just a few lines of inspiration and now my mind is filled with creativity. Please come up with more! <3

You’ll find plenty more in the Writing Prompts section of the Blog menu.

flo

these are really helpful

Thanks, Flo! I’m glad you found them helpful.

V.M. Sang

What lovely prompts. I’m going to do some free writing and see what comes out. And maybe a poem or two.

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213+ ‘Tree’ Writing Prompts

Leafy Wonders

Leafy Wonders

Write about the process of a seed turning into a tree.

Evergreen Emotions

Evergreen Emotions

Write a poem from the perspective of the Christmas tree, decked out in lights and decorations.

Photosynthesis Journal

Photosynthesis Journal

Describe a day in the life of a tree, focusing on the process of photosynthesis.

Spring Renewal

Spring Renewal

Write a journal entry as if you’re a tree coming alive in the spring season.

Life Beneath November Rain

Life Beneath November Rain

Write a story about a non-human organism and their experience of November Rain.

Secret Life of a Tree

Secret Life of a Tree

Write a diary entry for a tree in your backyard or in a park. What has it seen, heard or…

Nature’s Superheroes

Nature’s Superheroes

Write a story about an animal or a plant in nature that has superhero abilities.

A Leaf’s Journey

A Leaf’s Journey

Write a story from a leaf’s perspective as it changes color and eventually falls from the tree.

Star Perspective

Star Perspective

Explore the perspective of the Star atop a Christmas tree, overseeing the celebrations of its human family.

Echoes of the Old Oak Tree

Echoes of the Old Oak Tree

Create a narrative in verse about an ancient oak tree that communicates with a small child via poetic whispers.

My Family Tree

My Family Tree

Describe the different branches of your family tree and draw a picture of it.

The Magic of Christmas Tree

The Magic of Christmas Tree

Write about finding a magical Christmas tree that fulfills your wishes.

Parakeet’s Perspective

Parakeet’s Perspective

Describe Christmas Eve from the perspective of a parakeet watching the celebrations from its cage.

Frozen in Time

Frozen in Time

Write a poem illustrating a frozen landscape, and unravel the metaphors housed within it.

The Life of a Leaf

The Life of a Leaf

Imagine if you were a leaf on a tree, and describe a day in your life.

A Christmas Awakening

A Christmas Awakening

Narrate an account of Christmas morning from your Christmas tree’s perspective.

The Fort of Thoughts

The Fort of Thoughts

Write about your childhood hideout, whether real or imaginary, and what it represented for you.

Solstice Silence

Solstice Silence

Describe the longest night of the year from the perspective of an animal or nature’s element.

Prompt Evolution

Prompt Evolution

Write about how a simple writing prompt developed into a complex idea or theme.

Nature’s Parables

Nature’s Parables

Choose an element in nature and write a parable that it inspires.

Dear Diary: The Fall Transition

Dear Diary: The Fall Transition

Keep a journal from a leaf’s perspective about the change in season from summer to fall.

Fall’s Palette

Fall’s Palette

Imagine you are a tree going through the process of color change in fall.

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

Imagine if trees could talk. Write a conversation between you and a tree.

Dialogue with a Deciduous

Dialogue with a Deciduous

Create a conversation between a young sapling and an old, wise tree.

Woodland Whispers

Woodland Whispers

Write a poem using the perspective of a tree in an old-growth forest.

Life of a Tree

Life of a Tree

Write a narrative from the perspective of a tree experiencing spring in the forest.

Tree House Secret Code

Tree House Secret Code

Write about kids discovering a secret code in an old tree house.

Acorn Adventure

Acorn Adventure

Write about an acorn’s journey, from falling off its tree to becoming a mighty oak.

The Giving Tree

Imagine if the trees could talk. Pick a tree in fall and write a conversation you’d have with it.

Basking in the Sun’s Glow

Basking in the Sun’s Glow

Describe a moment where you felt most connected to summer’s natural warmth.

Tree-top Home

Tree-top Home

Describe building a treetop house in the middle of a jungle.

Unusual Narrator

Unusual Narrator

Write a story from the viewpoint of an unlikely narrator, such as a pet, a tree, or maybe even a…

Beholding The Christmas Tree

Beholding The Christmas Tree

Detail your experience of decorating a Christmas tree for the first time and how it became a tradition.

Miracles of Saint Patrick

Miracles of Saint Patrick

Write a historical fiction account of one of the miracles attributed to Saint Patrick.

Dance of the Dry Leaves

Dance of the Dry Leaves

Write a short story about a day in the life of a dry leaf being swept away by the fall…

The Spirit of Giving

The Spirit of Giving

Describe the most meaningful gift you have ever given or received, and why it symbolized the spirit of Christmas for…

Gifts of Nature

Gifts of Nature

Write about various natural elements around you that you are grateful for.

Taste of Harvest

Taste of Harvest

Describe what tastes represent the autumn season to you.

Leaves in Transition

Leaves in Transition

Write about a leaf that changes its color from green to orange and falls. Explore the journey of the leaf…

The Search for the Last Tree

The Search for the Last Tree

Create a story where a group of survivors embark on a journey to find the world’s last living tree.

Sanctuaries in Nature

Sanctuaries in Nature

Choose a quiet place in nature that you find spiritually inspiring and describe it in detail.

Tinsel Tales

Tinsel Tales

Describe your most creative holiday decoration and the process behind it.

Holiday Decoration Disaster

Holiday Decoration Disaster

Narrate a time when holiday decorating didn’t go as planned.

Magical Tree House Adventure

Magical Tree House Adventure

Write about finding a magical tree house in your backyard and the adventures you had.

Blossoming New Beginnings

Blossoming New Beginnings

Explore the transformation of a dormant tree or plant as it transitions from winter’s bare branches to spring’s lush bloom.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves

Create a story about an autumn leaf’s journey from its tree to the forest floor.

Autumn Leaf Adventure

Autumn Leaf Adventure

Imagine you’re an autumn leaf falling from a tree. Write about your journey.

Xmas in the Galaxy

Xmas in the Galaxy

Describe a Christmas celebration on a distant planet with alien life forms.

Farmhouse Whispers

Farmhouse Whispers

Imagine a love story blossoming under the roof of an old countryside farmhouse.

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

Select a tree in your neighborhood and write about how it impacts your community.

Natural Inspiration

Natural Inspiration

Pick an aspect of nature you observe daily and elaborate on how it contributes to your well-being.

Return to the Safety Blanket

Return to the Safety Blanket

Record the ways in which you sought comfort and safety as a child.

Jingle Bells and Dragons Tales

Jingle Bells and Dragons Tales

Create a story that weaves traditional Christmas symbols or stories with elements of high fantasy.

Lessons from the Leaves

Lessons from the Leaves

Reflect on the message that a leafless winter tree conveys to you.

Peeling Back Layers

Peeling Back Layers

Interpret the symbolism of a tree losing its leaves in relation to personal losses or challenges.

Botanic Muse

Botanic Muse

Contemplate on a significant plant or tree that has played a part in your life.

The Witness Tree

The Witness Tree

Write a story centered around a haunted tree that’s been the silent observer of a small town’s history, spinning tales…

Window View

Window View

From a cozy window seat, detail what a quiet November morning looks like.

The Friendship Tree

The Friendship Tree

Write about your best friend and why they are important to you.

The Language of Trees

The Language of Trees

If trees could talk, what would they say? Write a conversation between yourself and a tree.

Tree of Forgiveness

Tree of Forgiveness

Write about planting a ‘tree of forgiveness’ where each leaf represents a specific regret you have.

Hidden Beauty in Nature

Hidden Beauty in Nature

Identify an often-overlooked element in nature that you find beautiful.

Empathy For Nature

Empathy For Nature

Write a story where you are a tree in a forest.

Ice Cream on the Beach

Ice Cream on the Beach

Envisage a story about a family from Northern Hemisphere spending Christmas in Australia, swapping snow for sun, presents under the…

Ideal Playground

Ideal Playground

Design a dream playground and describe why you believe your design is the best.

Autumn Fairy’s Adventure

Autumn Fairy’s Adventure

Imagine you’re a fairy who lives in a tree which changes color during October.

The Last Tree Standing

The Last Tree Standing

Imagine a world where only one tree remains. Describe it and explain how people react to it.

Silent November Night

Silent November Night

Describe an eerily quiet, tranquil night-time scene in November.

The Magic of Lights

The Magic of Lights

Think about the first time you saw a beautifully lit Christmas tree or the local holiday lights.

Sentient Vegetation Vigilante

Sentient Vegetation Vigilante

A flourishing tree in an urban park gains sentience and develops abilities to protect its surrounding environment.

Talking Trees

Talking Trees

Pretend you’re a tree in a busy park and write a diary entry about all the things you saw in…

The Story of a Seed’s Journey

The Story of a Seed’s Journey

Imagine you are a seed that has embarked on an adventure to grow into a tree – write your story.

Earth’s History in A Tree Ring

Earth’s History in A Tree Ring

Every tree ring tells a story of the earth’s history – describe what one tree ring would reveal.

Observing A Single Tree

Observing A Single Tree

Describe a single tree and its changes over the course of the month.

Spring’s First Bloom

Spring’s First Bloom

Relate the first sighting of spring’s first bloom through a narrative or a poem.

A Day as a Tree

A Day as a Tree

Imagine yourself as a tree in a forest. Write a journal entry about a typical day.

The Frostbitten Fable

The Frostbitten Fable

Narrate the life of a tree and the various inhabitants it shelters during the harsh winter.

Immortal November Willow

Immortal November Willow

Detail a connection with the November Willow who has lived for generations.

The Magical Money Tree

The Magical Money Tree

Imagine if money grew on trees. Write a story about how life would be different.

The Magic of Christmas Trees

The Magic of Christmas Trees

Write about your earliest memory in relation to Christmas trees—trimming it, the scent, the struggles, and eventually seeing it lit…

Christmas Morning Excitement

Christmas Morning Excitement

Recall and describe an early Christmas morning from your childhood.

Reflections from a Bare Tree

Reflections from a Bare Tree

Imagine a tree shedding its last leaf in November. Write about the lessons this tree might share about embracing changes…

Meeting the Garden Sprites

Meeting the Garden Sprites

Imagine encountering a mischievous or wise creature living among the flowers, foliage, and undergrowth of your garden.

Saving the Trees

Saving the Trees

Write a persuasive essay on why we should plant more trees.

Frosty Reflections

Frosty Reflections

Describe the sight of a pristine, snow-blanketed landscape from the warmth of your home.

The Last Tree

The Last Tree

Write a letter to future generations about the last tree on Earth.

Jungle Guardian’s Perspective

Jungle Guardian’s Perspective

Write from the perspective of an ancient tree witnessing the evolution of the jungle.

Christmas Ornament Enigma

Christmas Ornament Enigma

Write about a mysterious Christmas ornament that appears on your Christmas tree which no one remembers buying.

The Green Thumb Challenge

The Green Thumb Challenge

Describe in detail your experience with planting a tree or a garden.

Bug’s-Eye View

Bug’s-Eye View

Write from the perspective of a bug. Describe the world as you see it and the adventures you have.

The Friendly Number Tree

The Friendly Number Tree

Imagine a tree where each leaf represents a number, write a story based on this.

Measurement Mission

Measurement Mission

Write a story about a day where you have to use measurements to help a friend.

The Magical Number Land

The Magical Number Land

Write about visiting a magical land where numbers come to life.

Heirloom of Love

Heirloom of Love

Write about an heirloom that comes alive every Christmas within your family.

Cosmic Christmas Tree

Cosmic Christmas Tree

Imagine how you would decorate a Christmas tree in the zero-gravity environment of space.

Seedling to Sequoia

Seedling to Sequoia

Write a song tracing the journey of a seedling to a full-grown tree.

Song of the Trees

Song of the Trees

Imagine you are a tree, what song would represent you and why?

The Last Tree on Earth

The Last Tree on Earth

Imagine you are the last tree on Earth and write your story.

Nature’s Warrior

Nature’s Warrior

Write a narrative about actively protecting or advocating for nature.

Nature’s Refuge

Nature’s Refuge

Write about a time when nature provided you with a safe haven or a peaceful retreat.

Trees: Be Specific When You Describe

Trees: Be Specific When You Describe

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMPTS

Let’s talk about trees.

Something interesting just happened to you. Right now. This moment.

When you read “trees,” an image of a tree or trees popped into your head. What was it?

When you write to describe something, you want to be specific. You DON’T want to write like this: “An animal darted in front of our car.”

Why not? After all, darted is a vivid verb that describes movement. That’s a good way to write—using vivid verbs.

Middle School Writing Prompt -- Trees. Animals. Cars. It doesn't matter. If you are not specific, your readers will not "see" what you are writing about. Learn how to be specific here!

Which Animal?

Here’s where that sentence is weak: The word animal is not specific and will not give your readers any idea of what kind of animal you are writing about. Was it a cougar? A snake? A squirrel? An elk? Furry? Striped? Antlered? Winged?

When writers are not specific, readers have no image in their heads of what is going on. They cannot “see” the story.

The same thing is true with trees or really anything you are going to describe.

Sometimes, all you need is one or two words (adjectives or verbs). Is the woman tall ? Is the baby bald and chunky ? Does the garbage reek of rotted fish ? Is the meadow dotted with happy, yellow flowers? Does the wind whisper or does it shout ?

Now it’s your turn: Write two sentences to describe a tree. Let your readers get a specific idea in their heads about what kind of tree you are writing about. Give it some character, as well, in your description. Is it gnarled? Black-barked? Towering?

Do you enjoy the tree? Is it scary? Let readers know how they should feel about the tree, as well, by the words you use to describe it.

Be specific.

A version of this prompt was first posted on SchoolhouseTeachers.com . You can go directly to SchoolhouseTeachers.com to sign up and take advantage of many exciting courses written for grades K-12. This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.

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Writing with fabulous trees: writing map for parks, gardens and green spaces.

Text and writing prompts by Jackee Holder in collaboration with Shaun Levin and with illustrations by Flazia Felipe.  The A3 map (297x420mm) folds into A6 (105x148mm, postcard size), and is printed in England. NOTE: Some content may not be appropriate for writers under 16

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35 Words to Describe a Forest Well in a Novel

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

35 Words to Describe a Forest Well in a Novel

A huge part of writing a novel is using the best words to describe various settings to bring your story to life. If you have a scene set in a forest, your words to describe a forest must reflect everything the characters (if any) can see or feel, or should paint a vivid picture of the setting.

But that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Everyone gets stuck sometimes and finding the best words to describe the simplest of things can take some time.

In this post, we’re going to focus on a popular scene that can be tricky to describe for some: the forest. Here are 35 of the best words to describe a forest well in a novel:

6 words for a forest at night (black forest)

  Scenes take place in the forest at night for various reasons. Perhaps you want to create suspense or mystery.   A forest at night can also be used to create drama or romance. However, if you don’t have the best words to describe a forest at night, your delivery is sure to fall flat.   Here are 6 words to describe a forest at night:  

gray scale photo of trees and pathway

You May Also Like:

20 of the Best Words to Describe a Storm in Writing

dark forest photo tall trees

   

6 words to describe a forest in winter (white forest)

  Forests in winter are truly a sight to behold, especially when they are blanketed by a cover of white snow. A white forest may be used to portray purity or light.   A white forest may also be used to portray isolation or emptiness. Here are 6 words to describe a forest based on what you wish to portray:  

gray scale photo of trees on snow

6 words to describe a forest in spring (green forest)

  During spring, the forest is at its busiest with creatures roaming about, and plants sprouting their blossoms. It is a period of rebirth and regrowth that may be used to set a specific mood or contrast a less favorable circumstance.   Whatever the case may be, here are 6 words to describe a forest in spring:  

Photo of greenfields with yellow and red flowers at daytime

20+ of the Best Words to Describe Night in a Story

gray concrete road in between tall green trees

6 words about the Amazon rainforest

  The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and contains an infinite number of green trees of various shades and sizes. It is also one of the most diverse biomes on the planet.   Here are some words to describe a forest that will help you to paint an accurate picture of the Amazon rainforest.  

green moss on brown tree trunk

6 words to convey the atmosphere of a mysterious/deep forest

  When describing a forest to an audience, you will need words to describe more than just the trees.   You also need to pay attention to the atmosphere, especially if it is mysterious or deep.   Here are some words to describe a forest based on its atmosphere  

brown wooden boat floating on water

5 words for the sounds of a forest

  Lastly, using sounds will paint the ultimate picture in your readers’ heads.   Here are 5 words to describe a forest based on the sounds one may hear:  

25 of the Best Words to Describe a Bad and Toxic Relationship

river between orange leaves body of water forest like

  When using these words to describe a forest, ensure they complement the scene you are trying to set, rather than adding a bunch of words to fill the page, otherwise, it may be confusing for your reader.   Picture it in your head before finding the appropriate words.  

creative writing on trees

Writer In A Hat

Julia h dixon, author of speculative fiction..

how to describe a forest

  • How To Describe Trees, Forests & Woodland In Fiction Writing

Good writing has a range of vocabulary. A single word can make all the difference to the tone and meaning of a sentence. There are times when I struggle to find the correct terminology, so I have decided to create word masterlists – helping me and you to write precisely. View the archive of vocabulary masterlists here. Or see any of the following:

  • How To Describe Fields, Grassland And Meadows In Fiction Writing
  • How To Describe Marshes, Swamps and Bogs In Fiction Writing

Little known fact about me: I’m something of a conservationist. I have a degree in conservation and since 2016 I’ve worked with the Wildlife Trust, the UK’s leading conservation and nature recovery charity. Nature is vast and complicated and there is no way of fitting all the possible terminology onto one list. For this reason, in this post I will be solely focusing on words for trees, forests and woodlands and the features therein, and will largely be focused on UK and European woodlands, though I’m sure a lot of this can be applied elsewhere. This is also not an exhaustive list of everything in a forest, but is a jumping off point for myself and for you to use. With that said, I hope you find this helpful.

Remember: Not all of these words are interchangeble! Read the definitions carefully to make sure you are using the words correctly.

how to describe a forest

Words for A Group Of Trees

WordDefinition
ForestA large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
Wood/WoodsAn area of land, smaller than a forest, that is covered with growing trees.
GroveA small wood: a group of trees without underbrush.
OrchardA piece of enclosed land planted with fruit trees.
ThickettA group of bushes or trees.
Coppice


An area of woodland in which the trees or shrubs are periodically cut back to ground level to stimulate growth and provide firewood or timber.
“coppices of oak were cultivated”



Cut back (a tree or shrub) to ground level periodically to stimulate growth.
WoodlotA restricted area of woodland usually privately maintained as a source of wood-products such as fuel, posts, and lumber.

From this list, you would have noticed that these terms not only describe a group of trees, but rather the function of that group of trees. AKA “Are those trees managed and why?”

This is something to consider when describing a woodland. If it is managed, don’t only consider why but consider how . Is it grazed by cattle? Is it cut back by human workers? Different management techniques result in different types of habitat, ergo different terminology.

Don’t assume that if a habitat is not artificially managed that it’s simply a wild, untamed mess. Nature has it’s way of shaping the landscape and can appear surprisingly logical even in the harshest of environments. Consider the impact wild animals, natural fires, weather, and competing plants will have on the appearance of the landscape.

The Difference Between Coniferous And Deciduous (And Why It Matters)

Deciduous or broadleaved trees grow their leaves during the spring and lose them during the winter. Coniferous trees grow needles and cones instead of leaves, which don’t shed seasonally.

The reason this matters is because whether your forest is coniferous or deciduous will impact the ecosystem around it. Generally, you’re not going to get a mixed woodland of coniferous trees and deciduous trees. In the UK especially, coniferous forests such as pine forests are specially cultivated for the purpose of growing pine trees, so anything else is out. More to the point, deciduous and coniferous trees prefer different soil types so they won’t grow together. Deciduous trees usually prefer fertile, well-drained soil , whereas coniferous trees grow in acidic, often sandy soil which is lower in fertility because coniferous trees do not drop their leaves and these aren’t rotting down into the soil to provide it with nutrients.

Obviously you shouldn’t go to intense scientific detail about why your fictional forest looks the way it does because that would be pain-stakingly boring. My point is, if you’ve described a scene where a pine tree by an oak tree because you like pine trees and oak trees, maybe reconsider.

Descriptors And Adjectives For Describing Trees

Here’s some adjectives to inspire you to write a compelling description of trees and forests. I’ve paired them with what I associate with coniferous forests and deciduous ones, but these words can easily be used for both in the right circumstances .

Example: Describing a deciduous forest as ‘dry’ and ‘harsh’ tells me that the forest is not in very good condition and is dying. A privately owned coniferous forest will be quiet, but a coniferous woodlot will be noisy and full of workers.

ConiferousDeciduous
DryWaxy
SharpLush
ScratchyDamp
LoftyOvergrown
FragrantEarthy
Sun-dappledBlossoming
SparseDense
SilentNoisy
EtherealBustling
RoughSodden
EmptyShadowy
SandyDark

Remember to keep in mind the time of day and time of year. Here’s a great list of 35 words to describe a forest at different times of day.

Words For Undergrowth

Another major difference between deciduous and coniferous forests is what grows beneath the trees. Due to the low nutrients in the soil around coniferous trees, the forest floor tends to be sparse of bushes and plants. ‘Undergrowth’ is generally a term used when describing deciduous forests, however some of these words can be used for either.

WordDefinition
UnderwoodSmall trees and shrubs growing beneath taller timber trees.
Undergrowth

A dense growth of shrubs and other plants, especially under trees in woodland.
Underbrush
Shrubs and small trees forming the undergrowth in a forest.
VegetationPlants considered collectively, especially those found in a particular area or habitat.
FoliagePlant leaves collectively.
VerdureLush green vegetation, or the fresh green colour of lush vegetation.

What sort of plants are in the undergrowth? All sorts! The easiest way to brainstorm ideas is to think about what your forest needs to sustain itself.

Plants flower. Plants provide food. When describing your natural setting, remember that there are most likely going to be animals living in that setting. And animals need to eat.

But before you put any old flowering bush in your woodland, consider seasonality , location , and the condition of the environment. Is it mushroom season? Are the flowers blooming? Have the berries ripened? All of these questions will depend on what plants are growing in your setting.

Woodlands are my favourite habitat. They’re instinstically beautiful and complex and there’s always more going on inside them than you think. If you found this helpful, be sure to leave a like. I would also reccomend the article below.

Furthur Reading: The Seven Layers Of A Forest.

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Julia h dixon.

Julia H Dixon wears many hats: She is an author, artist, pop culture nerd and essayist. She has a special love for speculative fiction. Her contemporary sci-fi story "Marched Away" won Northern Life's writing contest and featured in their June/July/August 2024 edition. View all posts by Julia H Dixon

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Talking Trees: Prompts for Writing Outside

This resource is available to support place-based writing outside anytime of year and comes with related resources and age-level recommendations. Originally developed for Write Out (writeout.nwp.org).

“The trees act not as individuals, but somehow as a collective. Exactly how they do this, we don’t yet know. But what we see is the power of unity. What happens to one happens to us all. We can starve together or feast together.” ―Robin Wall Kimmerer

Ecologists and researchers have published work demonstrating the ways that trees “talk” to each other through networks of roots and fungi under the ground.

How might writing outside allow us to tap into our experiences with trees around us? In these two videos, we are prompted by two experts to go outside, spend time with the trees around us, and explore – through writing – what they communicate to us and to each other.

Writing “Sparks”

As educator Peter Elbow writes , “the most effective way … to improve your writing is to do free writing exercises regularly.” Use these writing “sparks” to get your free writing started. Use a notebook or a journal, go digital or stay analog, feel free to incorporate images and multimedia; use or experiment with approaches that work best for you.

Spark from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park— We know that some trees can “talk” to each other through their root systems. What kind of messages might trees send to each other?

Content focus: Masting process of oak trees, exploring how tree communicate Age-level recommendations: All ages, good for younger writers Time: Video length = 3:45; Writing time as needed

Park Ranger McKenzie of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park describes the ways that oak trees in the park go through a process of masting, ie. the synchronous production of large crops of seeds ,  every few years. Ranger Makenzie prompts us to write by asking: We know that some trees can “talk” to each other through their root systems. What kind of messages might trees send to each other?

Spark from Dr. Easley of Hip-Hop Forestry— Write near a tree. Come back inside; note how you feel. Add that to your writing.

Content focus: Forests and the stories they tell; diversity, equity and inclusion Age-level recommendations: Older writers engaging with complex topics Time: Video length = 2:29; Writing time as needed

Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley—forester, hip-hop artist, and Assistant Dean for Community & Inclusion at Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies—describes his Hip Hop Forestry philosophy (video used with permission) and prompts writers to engage in the following process:

  • Go outside and compose/write near a tree
  • Come back inside; note how your body feels coming from the outside to the inside
  • Add that to your composition/writing
  • When ready, read your writing out loud to another person.

Share Your Writing

Writing outdoors provides a wonderful opportunity to share your writing with others. Here are a few ideas how do this whether you are in person or at a distance from each other:

  • Come together in a circle to share your writing, or an excerpt from your writing (passing should also always be an option); if you aren’t in person, set up an online video conference to do this;
  • Develop a collaboration on the fly by having each writer share one line of their work to add to a greater whole; if you aren’t in person, you can create an email address, hashtag and/or online form for individuals to submit their selections;
  • Set up a “gallery” of writing which could support browsing, feedback and/or response; this is especially useful if the writing includes more than just text but also images, video, sound. This can happen in person or online using a shared collaborative space like Google Jamboard, Padlet etc.;
  • Especially during Write Out , share your writing by posting on social media using the hashtag #writeout

Related Resources

Below are related resources gathered to further support inquiry and exploration of this topic. If you have additional resources to recommend, please share them online via the hashtag #writeout

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park : Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Our ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.

Write Out : Write Out is a free two-week celebration of writing, making, and sharing inspired by the great outdoors, and was created through a partnership of the National Writing Project and the National Park Service. It is a public invitation to get out and create that is supported with a series of online activities, made especially for educators, students, and families, to explore national parks and other public spaces. The goal is to connect and learn through place-based writing and sharing using the common hashtag #writeout.

More on Tree Communications

“How trees secretly talk to each other” , BBC News , published June 29, 2018

“How Trees Secretly Talk to Each Other in the Forest” , National Geographic Decoder , published Sep 11, 2018

“The Social Life of Forests: Trees appear to communicate and cooperate through subterranean networks of fungi. What are they sharing with one another?” New York Times Magazine , published December 2, 2020

“Tons of acorns? It must be a mast year” The Conversation , published November 15, 2019

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

“How Hip Hop Can Bring Green Issues to Communities of Color” Yale Environment 360 , published March 3, 2020 Authored by Thomas Easley

Image source: The Wood Wide Web: How Trees Secretly  Talk and Share with Each Other

Topics/tags:

Also recommended, leaning toward light: a conversation with tess taylor.

This episode of NWP Radio features a conversation with Tess Taylor, an avid gardener, the author of five acclaimed collections of poetry, and the editor of Leaning Toward Light: Poems for Gardens and the Hands that Tend Them .

Leading a Make Cycle in CLMOOC

A resource created to support the coaching of “Make Cycles” that were part of a professional learning offered by NWP called Connected Learning Massive Open Online Collaboration.

On "digiship"

Chad Sansing explores the concept of “Digiship” in this classroom and supports his students in using everyday technologies and materials to rapidly prototype, share, and reiterate solutions to the problems and opportunities they see around them and in their own lives.

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creative writing on trees

Ancient Trees – Writing prompts and Resources

In ancient trees , Folklore , Oak Apple Day , Owain Glyndwr , Pitchford Hall , Uncategorised by Kateinnes_123.@hW 22nd May 2020

Ancient Trees Resource Pack : to be used in conjunction with the video on the Facebook Folk Community Group site https://tinyurl.com/y7yps43s

Description: Macintosh HD:Users:mkinnes:Desktop:Shelton_oak by david parkes early19th cent.jpg

The Shelton Oak  by David Parkes – 19 th  century

creative writing on trees

Fairy Folk by an old gnarled tree  – by Arthur Rackham

Arthur Rackham, illustrator, paid very close attention to trees in his work, glorying in their detail and character. 

Examples of writing about ancient oaks, other trees, and living and seeking shelter in them:

My Side of the Mountain – by Jean Craighead George

“I am on my mountain in a tree home that people have passed without ever knowing that I am here. The house is a hemlock tree six feet in diameter, and must be as old as the mountain itself. I cam upon it last summer and dug and burned it out until I made a snug cave in the tree that I now call home.

         My bed is on the right as you enter, and is made of ash slats and covered with deerskin. On the left is a small fireplace about knee high. It is of clay and stones. It has a chimney that leads the smoke out through a knothole. I chipped out three other knotholes to let fresh air in. The air coming in is bitter cold. It must be zero outside, and yet I can sit here inside my tree and write with bare hands. The fire is small, too. It doesn’t take much fire to warm this tree room.”

An extract from In the Tree House at Night – by James L Dickey

a beautiful, eerie poem in which the tree becomes a link between earthly life and the life beyond.

creative writing on trees

For complete poem:

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42718/in-the-tree-house-at-night

THE OAK by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Live thy Life, Young and old, Like yon oak, Bright in spring, Living gold;

Summer-rich Then; and then Autumn-changed Soberer-hued Gold again.

All his leaves Fall’n at length, Look, he stands, Trunk and bough Naked strength. 

Dendrochronology (written about the Acton Round Oak)

by Kate Innes

creative writing on trees

Mary Webb –  a Shropshire writer and folklorist – 

From a description of  Hazel Woodus in  Gone to Earth

“Her passion, no less intense, was for freedom, for the wood-track, for green places where soft feet scudded and eager eyes peered out and adventurous lives were lived up in the tree-tops, down in the moss.”

From ‘The Joy of Fragrance’ in  The Spring of Joy  by Mary Webb 1917

‘A little wood I know has in May among its oaks and beeches many white pillars of gean trees, each with its own air round it. At long intervals a large, soft flower wanders down, vaguely honeyed, mixing its breath with the savour of sphagnum moss, and resting among the wood-sorrel. The wood-pigeons speak of love together in their deep voices, unashamed, too sensuous to be anything but pure. Among the enchanted pillars, on the carpet of pale sorrel, with a single flower cool in the hand, one is in the very throne-room of white light. A little farther on the air is musky from the crowded minarets of the horse chestnut – white marble splashed with rose – where the bumble bee drones.’

The Mary Webb Society notes that: 

“Mary Webb’s love and intimate knowledge of the county permeates all her work. She had an extraordinary perception of the minutiae of nature, and it is this keen observation that gives her prose its unique quality. In her introduction to  Precious Bane  she writes ’ Shropshire is a county where the dignity of ancient things lingers long, and I have been fortunate not only in being born and brought up in its magical atmosphere, and in having many friends in farm and cottage who, by pleasant talk and reminiscence have fired the imagination, but also in having the companionship of such a mind as was my father’s- a mind stored with old tales and legends that did not come from books, and rich with an abiding love for the beauty of forest and harvest field…’  “

More information about ancient trees and tree houses:

More information about the Shelton Oak, including photographs:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelton_Oak

The Ancient Tree Forum finds the Bull Oak – a boundary tree and a shelter for a bull for years

https://www.facebook.com/AncientTreeForum/posts/the-bull-oak-still-exists-steven-falk-has-had-a-really-interesting-week-trying-t/2114877528577136/

Clip from BBC programme about the eccentric occupant of the Pitchford treehouse in the 1940’s:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04bspzg

Off topic but fascinating – Pitchford Ghosts by Caroline Colthurst:

http://www.pitchfordestate.com/pitchford-ghosts

Ancient Tree Folklore Writing Prompts:

Choose any or all of these ideas to start writing about the tree as a location or as a character or its importance to you.

1. You are climbing a tree – where are you? What does it feel like? What sounds do you hear? How does it feel as you make your way up? 

2. You are living in a tree house – describe that – how is it constructed and who is welcome to visit you?

3. You are living inside a hollow tree – describe your living quarters, describe how it sounds and what it feels like to live there 

4. You meet the spirit of the tree – describe the spirit – how do he/she feel about your incursion into its domain? Do you have a conversation? 

5. Write a fairy tale about someone who climbs a tree to escape from danger, and finds more than they expected!

6. Write a story told with the voice of the tree – perhaps the Royal Oak – or another tree that has seen incredible adventures of mice and men. Or write a story about a creatures living ‘adventurous lives’ in the treetops.

Prepared by Kate Innes – Author of ‘The Errant Hours’ and other adventures

@KateInnes2  @kateinneswriter

www.kateinneswriter.com

[email protected]

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Woods at Night

March 5, 2011 by BECCA PUGLISI

There is a forest entry already, but I think that at night the woods can be an entirely different setting, full of mystery and sometimes fear. I figured it deserved its own entry! Notice how other senses are utilized more so than sight–an unusual occurrence.

creative writing on trees

Dark tree trunks, shadows, overhanging limbs across the path seen at the last second, clumps of bushes, barely visible black trails snaking through the undergrowth, moon shining through a lattice of leaves, patchy sky & stars seen in glimpses through tree breaks, tall shadowed pines stretching up like arrows into the sky, streaks of cloud against the…

Wind slipping through leaves, cracking undergrowth with each step, creaking tree trunks, the flutter of wings unseen, snapping twigs, grass and weed sliding against pant legs, breathing sounds, coyote calls, fox yipping, wolves howling (if within location), snarls, padding feet along a trail, a grunt of pain at catching a root or tripping on dead fall, a rip of…

Rich earth, rotting leaves, pine needles, fresh air, a slight scent of flowers, earthy fungus, tree sap, wild animal musk (if close), possibly the spray of a skunk (if around), green growing things (spring & summer), moss

Sweat on lips, dryness in throat, sometimes a cold metallic tang if lots of stone is present

Cobwebs in face, cold, dewy leaves sliding across skin, slipping on wet leaves and mushrooms, tripping on bumpy roots, stones, dead fall, thorns scratching skin, scrapes and cuts on hands from falling in the dark, pine needles embedded in skin during fall, twisting and jerking at every unfamiliar sound, holding hands out to ward off unseen obstacles like tree…

Helpful hints:

–Think about the conflict that might be present in your setting.

Your character’s emotions will be on high alert at night because their visibility is low, making it a great time to insert conflict. This Conflict Scenario Database is loaded with ideas to help you.

–The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1:  Devin dove behind a wide cedar trunk just off the trail. Heart slamming against his ribs, he gulped at the air, trying to slow his breathing enough to hear. Back in the shadows, branches thrashed and snapped as Valio growled sharp orders to his men. Sunset had finally drained out of the sky overhead, sheathing the woods in shadow. Devin pressed his face against the bark, the ridges biting into his skin, and tried to become one with the tree…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: (Simile)  Eileen worked her way along the narrow trail, leaves sliding across her bare forearms like wet tongues…

BECCA PUGLISI

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

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May 1, 2020 at 8:45 am

This is my new account! Thanks for all your kind replies! 🙂

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March 11, 2020 at 3:32 pm

if anyone could help me with how to describe palaces and castles, please comment me back.

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March 11, 2020 at 4:24 pm

HI Kit, You can find information on Castles and other fantasy settings at our site, One Stop for Writers: https://onestopforwriters.com/scene_settings

Happy writing! ~angela

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December 27, 2019 at 8:16 am

this has just made me re think and re write my whole stroy thank you this really helps

May 1, 2020 at 8:43 am

happy to help!

P.S. I’m Angela, this is just a new account! 🙂

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July 13, 2017 at 2:55 pm

I would take that fear away from you Laura. Having spend my childhood surrounded by woods on the hills and shore of Cayuga Lake I have spent time in the woods alone at night. It is the imagination and the untrained ear that brings fear into the equation. Shadows unseen during the day become magical at night. All the nocturnal animals want nothing to do with you.

May 1, 2020 at 8:44 am

Thank you so much for your kind reply. Happy to help you always!

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December 9, 2011 at 3:17 pm

I do not think I would be walking around the woods at night.

December 6, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Just came across this one and I have to say, it really helped me with a scene I was struggling with. Thank you so much!

March 9, 2011 at 9:15 am

I think the dark tree trunks description sums it up for me. Creepy and suspenseful. This will help me loads in my continued search for publication and getting my story just right.

March 7, 2011 at 1:20 pm

I totally agree, Ralfast. I was just talking about this the other day with my kids, that if they really wanted to see what it would be like at night they would have to go far, far out into the country, beyond all light pollution and population.

March 7, 2011 at 1:15 pm

What makes forest so frightening for the modern viewer/reader is the near total darkness. We are so used to having sources of light 24/7 that our mind panics when we lack it.

March 6, 2011 at 2:41 pm

I love the woods and only a few times have I experienced them at night. It can be a beautiful-creepy feeling.

March 6, 2011 at 1:41 pm

Great–I’m so glad this one helps. So many great stories have night scenes that take place in a forest or wooded area. I think this is a setting that naturally creates tension.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

March 6, 2011 at 2:23 am

Ooooh, just thinking about the woods at night gives me the willies. You nailed it!

March 5, 2011 at 8:23 pm

Very timely. Might be needing this for my wip!Thanks!

March 5, 2011 at 7:31 pm

Loved this post! I just recently started reading this blog, and it has helped me to totally rethink how I’m going to write! Thanks!

March 5, 2011 at 11:25 am

Just wrote a scene involving the woods at night. You are right, they definitely deserve their own entry!

March 5, 2011 at 11:08 am

This totally makes me want to go write a fairy tale. =)

March 5, 2011 at 10:46 am

The woods are lovely dark and deep but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep….

March 5, 2011 at 8:58 am

Walking through the woods at night is definitely different than during the day! I don’t think you could pay me to walk through the woods at night!

[…] Does your setting take place at night? Check out this similar Entry: WOODS AT NIGHT […]

[…] beautiful Brothers Grimm-inspired gallery of forest photographs. And if you get stuck, check out Writing Helping Writers’ “Forest Thesaurus” for even more […]

[…] hushed voices and whispers, muffled footsteps, your own heartbeat. Also, see the setting entry Woods at Night. EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS: Mood: Falling stars happen so quickly; to catch sight of one makes the […]

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10 Words to Describe a Woodland Setting

By A.W. Naves

words to describe a woodland setting

If certain scenes in your novel are set in the woods, the following 10 words to describe a woodland setting will help to capture your readers’ imaginations.

Lush with vegetation ; colored a vibrant green.

“The  verdant  forest was a sight to behold, with every tree and shrub bursting with life.”

“The meadow,  verdant  and serene, was surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers.”

How it Adds Description

The word “verdant” can help the reader to visualize the forest as a lush, green, and thriving ecosystem, which can add a sense of wonder and awe to the story. It can also create a contrast with other settings in the novel, such as a barren desert or a polluted city, making the verdant forest stand out as a unique and special place.

Closely packed ; difficult to navigate.

“The underbrush was so  dense  we could barely walk through the forest without getting snagged on branches.”

“The  dense  fog permeated the woods, making it was nearly impossible to see more than a few feet in front of us.”

The word “dense” helps the reader imagine the density of the forest, which can be overwhelming and claustrophobic. This description can create a sense of mystery and unease, as the dense foliage may make it difficult to see what lies beyond. It may also convey the idea of the forest being a natural barrier, making it harder for characters to navigate through it.

3. Majestic

Grand; impressive  in appearance.

“The  majestic  pine trees towered over us, their branches reaching high into the sky.”

“The waterfall was  majestic  as it cascaded down the mountain, its roar filling the air.”

The word “majestic” creates a sense of wonder and mystery, as the reader is transported to a place of natural splendor and serenity. The use of this word adds depth and richness to the setting, making it more than just a physical location, but a place of profound beauty and wonder. It also adds an emotional and poetic quality to the novel.

Abundant; thriving  with vegetation.

“The vibrant colors and sweet scents of the  lush  forest were a feast for the senses.”

“The patch of wildflowers in the clearing was a  lush  oasis filled with buzzing bees.”

The word “lush” adds a sense of vitality and beauty to the scene, making it more vivid and engaging for the reader. Additionally, it can convey a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the dense foliage may obscure the path ahead and create a sense of adventure for the characters in the novel.

Sheltered or protected  from direct sunlight.

“The  shaded  clearing provided a respite from the hot sun, the trees overhead casting a cool shadow.”

“The trail was  shaded , providing a welcome respite from the bright, blinding light of the sun.”

The word “shaded” implies that there is a lack of direct sunlight in the area, which can evoke a feeling of coolness and calmness. This description can also set the tone for the scene or chapter, suggesting that the setting is peaceful and serene, or it could also imply that it is dark and mysterious.

Peaceful, calm ; marked by tranquility

“The  serene  forest was a peaceful with its soft rustling leaves and gentle birdsong.”

“The lake was  serene  as it mirrored the sky, its surface unbroken by a single ripple.”

The word “serene” implies that there is a sense of tranquility and stillness within the setting, which can set a tone of contemplative introspection or relaxation for the characters and the reader. It can also suggest that the setting is unspoiled and untouched by human activity, creating a sense of natural beauty and harmony.

Untamed, natural ; unspoiled by humans.

“The  wild  tangle of forest was a place of mystery, with its deep shadows and hidden secrets.”

“The animals roamed unrestrained through the brush, their spirits free and  wild .”

How it Adds Definition

The word “wild” evokes images of dense, overgrown foliage, tangled underbrush, and possible danger lurking just beyond the edge of the path. It can also imply a sense of mystery and adventure, as the wildness of the woods suggests that there may be secrets or hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in the raw beauty of undiscovered nature.

Moss-like ; covered in a soft, green growth.

“The  mossy  forest floor was soft underfoot, the dense growth cushioning our steps.”

“The tree trunks were  mossy , their rough bark hidden beneath the blanket of green.”

The word “mossy” conjures up images of lush, green foliage covering the ground and trees, creating a sense of dampness and moisture in the environment. It helps to create a rich and immersive atmosphere, providing the reader with a vivid mental image of the setting. It can also imply that the woodland is ancient, untouched by humans and possibly full of magic.

9. Enchanted

Magical, mystical ; possessing mysterious powers.

“The  enchanted  forest seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, the trees and flowers seeming to dance.”

“The lake was  enchanted , its depths mysterious and unknown.”

The word “enchanted” implies that there is something special and unique about the forest, and that it is not just a typical, mundane setting. It suggests that there may be hidden secrets or supernatural elements within the forest, which creates a sense of intrigue and wonder for the reader.

10. Fragrant

Flowery, aromatic ; having a pleasant aroma.

“The  fragrant  woodland clearing was the perfect spot for us to have our picnic.”

“The meadow was filled with  fragrant  wildflowers in bloom and fresh pine trees.”

The word “fragrant” evokes the sense of smell. It implies that the woodland is filled with pleasant, aromatic scents, creating a sense of tranquility and peacefulness in the reader’s mind. It paints a vivid and detailed picture of a flowery, calm woodland scene where characters can stroll or relax in their beautiful surroundings.

Descriptive Adjectives for Trees: Positive and Negative

creative writing on trees

When it comes to describing the beauty and majesty of trees, the right adjectives can truly bring them to life. From towering giants to delicate saplings, trees are not only essential for our environment, but they also possess a unique character of their own. In this article, I’ll be exploring a wide range of adjectives that can be used to describe trees, allowing you to paint a vivid picture in your writing or conversation. Whether you’re an arborist, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, this list of adjectives will help you capture the essence of trees in all their splendor.

Table of Contents

How to Describe Trees? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing trees, there are so many adjectives that can capture their beauty and character. Depending on the scenario or context, certain adjectives might better convey the unique qualities of trees. Here are some different scenarios and the adjectives that can be used to describe trees in each:

Remember, the choice of adjectives will vary depending on the specific tree and the emotions or impressions you want to convey. Experiment with different words to capture the essence of trees in the various scenarios you encounter.

Examples of Descriptive Adjectives for Trees

Adjectives
Majestic
Serene
Elegant
Graceful
Whimsical
Ancient
Breat

Describing Words for Trees in English

When it comes to describing trees, there are a plethora of adjectives in the English language that can help capture their beauty, character, and unique qualities. Here are some describing words that can be used to paint a vivid picture of trees in different scenarios:

1. Majestic Trees:

AdjectiveDefinition
ToweringTall and impressive
SturdyStrong and solid
GracefulElegant and refined

2. Lush Trees:

AdjectiveDefinition
LeafyCovered in abundant leaves
VerdantGreen and vibrant
ExuberantFull of life and energy

3. Whimsical Trees:

AdjectiveDefinition
TwistedCurved or bent in unique shapes
KnottedCharacterized by intricate knots and patterns
CurlyHaving winding or spiral branches
AdjectiveDefinition
ColorfulDisplaying a range of vibrant hues
RustlingMaking soft, crackling sounds as leaves fall
GoldenGleaming and radiant like gold

Adjectives for Trees

Positive adjectives for trees with 12 example sentences.

When it comes to describing trees, there are plenty of positive adjectives that can accurately capture their beauty and appeal. Here are twelve examples of positive adjectives that can be used to describe trees:

Negative Adjectives for Trees with 5 Example Sentences

While trees are mostly admired for their positive qualities, there are negative adjectives that can also be used to describe certain aspects of trees. Here are five examples of negative adjectives that can be used when describing trees:

Remember, the choice of adjectives will depend on the specific tree and the emotions or impressions one wants to convey. Feel free to experiment with different words to accurately describe trees in various scenarios.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for trees.

When it comes to describing trees, there is a wide range of synonyms that can help us paint a vivid picture. Here are some alternative words that can be used interchangeably with “trees”:

Let’s take a closer look at these words with example sentences:

SynonymExample Sentence
Woodland was filled with colors as the leaves changed in autumn.
ForestWe took a leisurely walk through , enjoying the soothing sounds of the rustling trees.
GroveWe found a cozy spot in , surrounded by tall, majestic trees.
CopseThe sun peeked through , casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.
Orchard was a delightful sight, with rows and rows of beautifully blooming fruit trees.

Antonyms for Trees

AntonymExample Sentence
BarrenThe arid desert was , with no trees or plants in sight.
BareThe harsh winter stripped the trees, leaving them against the cold, gray sky.
EmptyThe abandoned field looked sad and without a single tree to provide shade.
InfertileThe rocky terrain and lack of nutrients in the soil made the area for tree growth.
Deforested area was a somber reminder of the importance of preserving our forests and trees.

Remember, the choice of words depends on the specific tree and the emotions or impressions we want to convey. Feel free to experiment with different adjectives to accurately describe trees in various scenarios.

It’s important to remember that the choice of adjectives depends on the specific tree and the emotions or impressions we want to convey. Whether we’re describing a woodland, forest, grove, copse, or orchard, the right adjective can bring our writing to life.

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Tree Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on tree.

Tree Essay- Trees are our best friends because they clean the air we breathe. Likewise, they also clean the water and soil and ultimately make the earth a better place. It is also a fact that people who live near trees are healthier, fit, and happier than people who do not.

Moreover, it is our responsibility to look after our friends who serve us in many ways. Most importantly by saving plants, we are not doing any favor to plants but to ourselves only. Because trees and plants life does not depend on us but our lives depend on them.

Tree Essay

Importance of Trees

Trees are important to us in a lot of ways and we cannot ignore their importance. They are important because they give us fresh air to breathe , food to eat and shelter/shade from sunlight and rainfall . Besides this, there are many medicines in the market that are made up of trees extracts. Apart from this, there are plants and trees that have medicinal value.

They bring peacefulness; create a pleasing and relaxing environment. Also, they help in reflecting the harmful rays of the sun and maintaining a balanced temperature . Besides, they also help in water conservation and preventing soil erosion . They also manage the ecosystem and from ancient times several varieties of plants are worshipped.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Benefits of Trees

Trees provide us many benefits some of which we can’t see but they make a huge difference. They help in fighting back the climate changes by absorbing greenhouse gases which are the main cause of climate change.

Moreover, they replenish groundwater and filter the air from harmful pollutants and odors. Besides, they are a great source of food and the king of fruits ‘Mango’ also grow on trees.

creative writing on trees

Moreover, they are the cause of rainfall as they attract clouds towards the surface and make them rain. They can be teachers, playmates and a great example of unity in diversity.

Above all, they are a good source of reducing air, water, and noise pollution.

Value of Trees

When a seed of a plant or tree grow it makes the area around it greener. Also, it supports many life forms. Birds make their nests, many reptiles and animals live on it or near it.

Besides, all these many beautiful flowers, food growing on it. Moreover, many parts of trees such as roots, leaves , stem, flower , seeds , are also edible. Most importantly they never ask anything in return for their services and the gifts they give. Trees also keep the balance in the ecosystem and ecology.

To conclude, we can say that trees are very important and beneficial for every life form on earth. Without them, the survival of life on earth will become difficult and after some time every species starts to die because of lack of oxygen on the planet. So, to save our lives and to survive we have to learn the importance of trees and also have to teach our children the importance of trees.

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Creative Writing Prompts - Trees

Creative Writing Prompts - Trees

Subject: English

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Gareth Mate's Teaching Resources

Last updated

31 May 2020

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creative writing on trees

Here is the first list of ideas in my series of Creative Writing prompts. The purpose of these writing prompts is to encourage both children and adults to get outside, be inspired by their natural surroundings and start writing.

These prompts focus on Trees.

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Tobinobin

Tobinobin Member

Story from the perspective of.... a tree.

Discussion in ' Character Development ' started by Tobinobin , Jun 10, 2009 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); I was just thinking...do you think a story written perhaps from the perspective of an oak tree would be good? Basically it would be a short story starting at say early 19th century and ending in the 21st century. It could almost serve as a reflective and quite interesting piece of writing. The reason for the oak tree is because it has a lot of meaning to past groups in history eg: in celtic mythology it serves as a portal between worlds (this works well as the story is showing how much the world has changed over two centuries - the world is completely different?) Tell me what you guys think - it wouldnt be a very long story just a page or two.  

ChaseRoberts

ChaseRoberts New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Interesting idea. I think a short story would be about the limit, given that a tree can't exactly get up and wander, so eking out a novel would be challenging! Would the tree be in a setting, such as a family home? Or in the park? Would the tree's story have a sort of continuity (such as a girl having her first kiss under the tree, then growing up and bringing her children to the same tree) or would it be fragments of different lives through the ages? And writing from the tree's viewpoint- can it understand human emotions? Will it be able to ascertain what is important and what is trivial? Does it understand it is a tree and they are not? Great idea actually. Hope you post it when you've written it Also, will the story end with the tree being chopped down for an 'exciting new two and three bedroom townhouses, prices starting at £249,999?' development. I'd feel sad for the tree if it did. But that might just be me  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Basically - the tree would be in some insignificant setting - perhaps a field outside a small settlement (the settlement grows much larger as decades go). It would be in first person - describing the growth of the tree, but also perhaps not fully realistic (descriptions of mens evil, their emotions, their seemingly pointless consumerism to the tree). Different events (like you said, perhaps a kiss then further in the womans life her children etc) but also a few battles. I cant really describe it - I dont want to give it away too much but it would have a lot of important underlying themes and issues with humankind as viewed from a completely innocent, wise(hmm, maybe not realistically) and ancient thing. Thanks for the ideas btw - I might actually go for it and use them if thats fine!  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Tobinobin said: ↑ Basically - the tree would be in some insignificant setting - perhaps a field outside a small settlement (the settlement grows much larger as decades go). It would be in first person - describing the growth of the tree, but also perhaps not fully realistic (descriptions of mens evil, their emotions, their seemingly pointless consumerism to the tree). Different events (like you said, perhaps a kiss then further in the womans life her children etc) but also a few battles. I cant really describe it - I dont want to give it away too much but it would have a lot of important underlying themes and issues with humankind as viewed from a completely innocent, wise(hmm, maybe not realistically) and ancient thing. Thanks for the ideas btw - I might actually go for it and use them if thats fine! Click to expand...

amble

amble New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Two centuries in a page or two? Good luck I think it's a cracking idea, but you should give it more legs than what you've limited it to. There's so much scope there, from wildlife and events to people and weather.  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Nah it wouldnt go by like that - just be different scenes through the decades not like month by month. Flashes of scenes in the growing of the tree.  

Cogito

Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

creative writing on trees

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); A story concept means nothing. I can tell you now, it has been done before. What matters is how you write it, the characterization, the flow, the imagery, all of it. There's no point to asking what other people think of the concept! They'll either say,"Sounds great," or, "it sounds like a ripoff of..." If the idea stirs you, write it. Then ask people what they think of the final story. After they tell you what they don't like about it, revise it, usually several times, until you're happy with it or until you throw up your hands and say the hell with it. Please read this thread about What is Plot Creation and Development? (and yes, this is a template post, which should give you an idea of how often this comes up.) To quote Nike: Just Do It.  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Inspiring words Cogito, inspiring words. My main point in making this however, was to brainstorm ideas and how it would be created - this kind of thing needs a bit of planning beforehand IMO.  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); In your own words: Tell me what you guys think - it wouldnt be a very long story just a page or two. Click to expand...
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Ok - I was just trying to create a creative discussion - but I will definately do it when I have time!  

mammamaia

mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); it's been done... so, if you want to do it, too, go ahead... but, as cog says, do it on your own, not by committee, or you'll end up with a camel, or worse!... plus, then it won't BE 'your own' will it?... serious writers get their own ideas and write their own stuff... they don't ask others to come up with details for them... my saying that 'out loud' may annoy, or even enrage some here, but it's a fact that shouldn't be ignored or denied, on a site that's set up for writers ...  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Hmm.. I didn't ask people to 'come up with ideas for me' I just asked what people thought of the idea. To quote the actual website description of general writing section : " Brainstorm ideas " and thats what I was doing - not saying 'give me ideas now so I can use them to write'. I dont want to make mountains out of molehills here - but I dont think what I was doing was unreasonable - I didn't ask for ideas for the story.  

Wreybies

Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

creative writing on trees

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Many stories have been told from the perspective of an inanimate object or semi-animate object, or partially from the perspective of said object. Example:  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Yeah - Im not claiming my idea is completely unique I just think an ancient oak tree would be good for that purpose as they last so long + so many things could happen around them in their (lifespan?).  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Tobinobin said: ↑ Yeah - Im not claiming my idea is completely unique I just think an ancient oak tree would be good for that purpose as they last so long + so many things could happen around them in their (lifespan?). Click to expand...
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Not trying to be obtuse here, am just new, but surely the whole entire point of having a writing forum is so writers can get together and throw ideas around? Otherwise, what's the point? Feel free to point out if I'm completely off mark here. Just sayin'...  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Ideas about how to write, and how to improve. It isn't a collaborative writing site. Sure, people look for fresh writing ideas, and inspiration, but from that point they should be coming up with their own stories. Despite the backpedalling, Tobinobin posted a plot summary and asked what people thought of it. He said nothing about brainstorming until I pointed out that posting a plot summary for opinions is pointless.  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); From brainstorming - I get 'group creativity technique' officially - but just some writers talking about a topic or theme that might be interesting or not and discussing that.  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); okay. cool. gotcha. So anyway, this tree idea... let us know when you've done something, I can read it through if you want. I can't guarantee an expert response, but I will give an honest opinion. (S'cuse my typing, grammar and spelling, it's 1am here, and I've drank a LOT of coffee)  

lynneandlynn

lynneandlynn New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); I'd have to agree with cog...if you have an idea, write it. No need to find out if someone else is going to be interested in reading it. In my mind, if you're not writing for *yourself* first, then you're simply allowing yourself to cater to the whims and desires of the people around you. And it's not really something that should be done when writing because it causes you to lose sight of yourself. That's my personal opinion. ~Lynn  

sweetchaos

sweetchaos New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); I really great book that's been written from the perspectiveof a tree: The Giving Tree. Yes, it's a kids book, but I still love. Might be good for some inspiration. -shrugs-  
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Interesting - thanks!  

sophie.

sophie. New Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_232390e9a64d5a827dd8c004101f3588'); }); Tobinobin said: ↑ I was just thinking...do you think a story written perhaps from the perspective of an oak tree would be good? Basically it would be a short story starting at say early 19th century and ending in the 21st century. It could almost serve as a reflective and quite interesting piece of writing. The reason for the oak tree is because it has a lot of meaning to past groups in history eg: in celtic mythology it serves as a portal between worlds (this works well as the story is showing how much the world has changed over two centuries - the world is completely different?) Tell me what you guys think - it wouldnt be a very long story just a page or two. Click to expand...

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July 23, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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New nature writing genre brings wild and tricky aspects of climate crisis to life

by James Canton, The Conversation

nature writing

We live in an age of climate emergency and eco-anxiety. This is, after all, the Anthropocene—a geological period defined by the bootprint of humans on Earth. Bearing witness to our place in the world is critical now more than ever but writing about nature during an eco-crisis without implying utter despair is a challenging feat.

Since 2009, I have taught a Masters in wild writing that explores literature, landscape and the environment. Students are encouraged to find their own path—creative and critical—into the ways we as humans engage with the natural world , the places we inhabit and the creatures we share the Earth with. Field trips—the outdoor classroom—are a central part of the practice of study. We are of nature, we remind ourselves—never separate, never apart, not even in the square construct of the seminar room. To exist as a human is to be in nature. Nature is not somewhere we step in and out of. That is a vital truth.

Since that course first launched, writing about nature has evolved. In 2008, journalist Jason Cowley acknowledged that the genre of nature writing was undergoing a transformation. In a special issue of the literary magazine, Granta, dedicated to new nature writing, he explained that "the best new nature writing is an experiment in forms: the field report, the essay, the memoir, the travelogue."

Going to Ground: An anthology of nature and place, edited by nature writer Jon Woolcott, is a fine collection of just such writing. Genuinely engaging, the collective of more than 30 new and established writers offer bright, fresh voices on our sense of place, our place in nature.

The pieces gathered here—both prose and poetry—are all tales of the Anthropocene. They tell of scarred lands, sacred lands. They saw light first in the previous decade as offerings for The Clearing—an online magazine that helped promote fresh perspectives on nature writing, including portraits of the post-industrial alongside political and reflective musings on our modern landscapes.

These are visions first seen in earlier works such as Richard Mabey's The Unofficial Countryside (published in 1973), which, according to legendary landscape writer and wanderer Iain Sinclair , was "the unacknowledged pivot between the new nature writers and those others, of a grungier dispensation, who are randomly (and misleadingly) herded together as 'psychogeographers.'" Sinclair should know—being one of the best known of that herd.

The contributions to Going to Ground read as a series of stepping stones—fitting for an anthology largely framed around the archipelago of our isles. Writer Graham Mart takes us to a "landscape draining of its purpose," tracing generations of elders through the moor towns of North Yorkshire—Settle, Hawes, Muker—seeing the natural in the industrial. He writes poetically about "dippers on the beck/ limestone crags dotted with juniper."

Like so many of these writings, a mosaic of memories emerges that is patched together from the land.

JC Niala takes us beyond Britain to Kenya where ancient human cave dwellers lived "an intricate dance with the elephants" that came to those dark spaces at night to mine salt with their tusks. The magic in that vision helps Niala clear the ghost of COVID haunting her journey.

Two of the greats of the new nature writing movement are present here, too. Kathleen Jamie's Findings (2005) stepped between the quotidian world of domesticity, of laundry and kids' school runs and soaring moments of enchantment in nature. Here, in Going to Ground, Jamie guides us to the value of paying heed, attending, noticing the natural world. "How do we lose the world?" she questions. "Little by little."

Instead of ignoring the world around us, we can "seriously notice"—step outside and "smell autumn in the wind." By doing so, we move beyond being passive consumers in "the simplest act of resistance and renewal." Be engaged, be present, she urges.

In a chapter titled Bird Island, writer and birder Tim Dee watches gannets preparing to launch from "the edge of their earthly domain, the grit-and-guano trampled runway to the sky." This image works well as a metaphor for the efforts of this fine band of nature writers gathered in this delightful anthology—each one seeking to step beyond exhausted stamping grounds, sensing the need for fresh perspectives on the landscapes of the Anthropocene.

Provided by The Conversation

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COMMENTS

  1. 37 of the Best Ways to Describe Trees Vividly to Capture ...

    01 Handsome Use handsome to describe a tree that checks all the boxes of health, meaning it's tall, has lush leaves, sturdy branches and strong bark. You'd see a handsome tree in a nature magazine or painting.

  2. Trees

    Deep roots taking cool water drafts, strong branches reaching into creation's community, the trees make a mockery of clocks that tick and instead invite the eye and soul to feel their sense of the expanded moment, to take root and reach as they do.

  3. Creative Writing Prompts

    Here is the first list of ideas in my series of Creative Writing prompts. The purpose of these writing prompts is to encourage both children and adults to get outside, be inspired by their natural surroundings and start writing.

  4. Tree

    The tree, an earth-heaven highway of browns, had not once been seen to grow since she were a wind-born seed. Yet daily, she became a giant stretching upward with wide protective boughs.

  5. PDF Describing a tree in summer, spring, autumn and winter

    10. You can follow the leaf-carpeted path to find your way home. OTHERS A WINTER TREE 1. In winter, the trees become bare of leaf. SIGHT 2. The sound of snapping branches fills the forest. SOUND 3. The tree bark feels as cold as a crocodile's back. TOUCH 4. The glucose smell of amber leaks from the tree bark. SMELL

  6. 12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts

    #7 Woodland Clearing. Winter trees screen blue and sunny skies, Intense but icy light the heat belies. Spikey, naked, dormant maids and men Wait for the earth to turn around again.

  7. 213+ 'Tree' Writing Prompts

    Writing prompts and journaling prompts exploring Tree and related concepts - Explore over 50k writing prompts on DraftSparks.

  8. Trees: Be Specific When You Describe

    MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMPTS. Let's talk about trees. Something interesting just happened to you. Right now. This moment. When you read "trees," an image of a tree or trees popped into your head.

  9. Writing With Fabulous Trees: Writing Map For Parks, Gardens and Green

    Writing With Fabulous Trees: Writing Map For Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces. We rely on trees for the paper we write on and for the oxygen in the air we breathe.

  10. Setting Description Entry: Forest

    Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers.Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict, people commonly found in these locales, and setting-specific notes and tips, and the ...

  11. 35 Words to Describe a Forest Well in a Novel

    A huge part of writing a novel is using the best words to describe various settings to bring your story to life. If you have a scene set in a forest, your words to describe a forest must reflect everything the characters (if any) can see or feel, or should paint a vivid picture of the setting.

  12. How To Describe Trees, Forests & Woodland In Fiction Writing

    Remember to keep in mind the time of day and time of year. Here's a great list of 35 words to describe a forest at different times of day.. Words For Undergrowth. Another major difference between deciduous and coniferous forests is what grows beneath the trees.

  13. Talking Trees: Prompts for Writing Outside

    Spark from Dr. Easley of Hip-Hop Forestry—Write near a tree.Come back inside; note how you feel. Add that to your writing. Content focus: Forests and the stories they tell; diversity, equity and inclusion Age-level recommendations: Older writers engaging with complex topics Time: Video length = 2:29; Writing time as needed Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley—forester, hip-hop artist, and Assistant ...

  14. PDF Describing a Forest

    5. The antediluvian trees dripped with delicious, phut-phutting nuts and berries. METAPHORS castles high rises fortresses caretakers sleeping souls towers skyscrapers citadels guardians pulsing hearts 1. Trees are the castles of the wood. 2.

  15. Ancient Trees

    Recent Blogs. Creative Writing for the New Year 2nd January 2024; Confessions of a Micro Publisher: My most costly mistake 7th December 2023; Wild Labyrinth - Review from Dr Anne E Bailey 12th May 2022 'Wild Labyrinth' - review from Vuyelwa Carlin 5th April 2022; Review of 'The Untethered Space' by Carol A. Caffrey 17th January 2021

  16. Setting Thesaurus Entry: Woods at Night

    Sight. Dark tree trunks, shadows, overhanging limbs across the path seen at the last second, clumps of bushes, barely visible black trails snaking through the undergrowth, moon shining through a lattice of leaves, patchy sky & stars seen in glimpses through tree breaks, tall shadowed pines stretching up like arrows into the sky, streaks of cloud against the…

  17. 10 Words to Describe a Woodland Setting

    If certain scenes in your novel are set in the woods, the following 10 words to describe a woodland setting will help to capture your readers' imaginations.. 1. Verdant Definition. Lush with vegetation; colored a vibrant green.. Examples "The verdant forest was a sight to behold, with every tree and shrub bursting with life." "The meadow, verdant and serene, was surrounded by tall ...

  18. Descriptive Adjectives for Trees: Positive and Negative

    Synonym Example Sentence; Woodland: The woodland was filled with colors as the leaves changed in autumn.: Forest: We took a leisurely walk through the forest, enjoying the soothing sounds of the rustling trees.: Grove: We found a cozy spot in the grove, surrounded by tall, majestic trees.: Copse: The sun peeked through the copse of trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

  19. words to describe this tree

    Trees don't rear as a rule. And this one looks actually rather squat. Please don't use the word 'gnarled'. Stoic and world-weary both work - or just weary.

  20. Tree Essay for Students and Children

    Tree Essay- Trees are our best friends because they clean the air we breathe. Likewise, they also clean the water and soil and ultimately make the earth a better place. It is also a fact that people who live near trees are healthier, fit, and happier than people who do not.

  21. Creative Writing Prompts

    Here is the first list of ideas in my series of Creative Writing prompts. The purpose of these writing prompts is to encourage both children and adults to get outside, be inspired by their natural surroundings and start writing.

  22. Story from the perspective of.... a tree?!

    A story concept means nothing. I can tell you now, it has been done before. What matters is how you write it, the characterization, the flow, the imagery, all of it.

  23. New nature writing genre brings wild and tricky aspects of climate

    Since 2009, I have taught a Masters in wild writing that explores literature, landscape and the environment. Students are encouraged to find their own path—creative and critical—into the ways ...

  24. AI Image Generator

    Transform your projects with our AI image generator. Generate high-quality, AI generated images with unparalleled speed and style to elevate your creative vision