creative writing on trees

35 Words to Describe a Forest Well in a Novel

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

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:  

You May Also Like:

20 of the Best Words to Describe a Storm in Writing

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:  

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:  

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

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.  

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  

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

  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.  

BRYN DONOVAN

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How to Describe a Forest Setting…Vividly

You might need to know how to describe a forest setting

if you’re writing a fantasy novel…or if you just happen to have a scene that takes place in the woods. I’ve pulled together this post of forest words and phrases, forest sounds, and forest adjectives. 

Forest Words and Phrases

Specific images, sounds, and smells will make your description more vivid and make your reader feel like they’re really there. I should note that haven’t really focused on rainforests for this post, though I might do one on rainforests and jungles later.

I’m not going to name all the trees and plants, obviously! However, I’ll start out with some of the most common ones in the woods in the United States.

sweetgum trees

wildflowers, such as trillium (Midwestern and Eastern United States), lupine, violets, bluebells (Eastern North America), columbines, black cohosh, and jack in the pulpit

in sunny spots: clover, dandelions, Queen Anne’s lace, asters, goldenrod

poison oak 

toadstools and mushrooms

cattails (near water)

wild blackberries and raspberries

wild ginger

moss—often on logs or rocks

sunlight filtering through trees

smooth bark, like on birch and beech trees

carpets of dried leaves or pine needles

winding path 

trees casting long shadows

distant trees cloaked in mist

gnarled and twisted branches

the branches at the tops of tall trees touching above you

thicket 

stone outcropping

charred tree trunks from a wildfire

the moon and/or lots of bright stars above at night

thin branches of saplings and shrubs blocking the path

spiderwebs…sometimes beaded with rain

acorns and acorn caps

buckeyes, from buckeye trees

spiky dried sweetgum fruits

fallen trees

butterflies

deer—fawn, doe, and/or buck

animal tracks

human footprints

litter—discarded water bottles, beer cans

the cooler temperature in the deep woods

insect bites—mosquitoes, biting flies, spiders, chiggers, ticks

thorny branches snagging a hiker’s ankle, calf, or arm

snow-covered branches

By the way, because lists like this can make writing so much easier…

I’ve pulled together a book called Master Lists for Writers . So many authors use it to stay inspired, write faster, and write more. Check it out!

Now let’s move on to…

Forest Sounds

chirping birds

trilling birds, like a wood thrush

warbling birds— many birds that do this are called warblers

chattering birds

tapping of a woodpecker

hooting owls

screeching red-tailed hawks

cawing and croaking crows

flapping of bat wings

hum of junebug wings

buzz of mosquitos

chirping crickets

croaking frogs

coyote or wolf howl

squirrels running across branches

wind rustling through leaves and/or pine needles

babbling or rushing of a nearby stream or creek

rumbling thunder

cracks of lightning

raindrops falling on leaves

snapping of a twig underfoot

squelching sound of feet in mud

zipping/unzipping of a tent flap

the hush of the woods after snow

icicles dripping during a thaw

Forest Smells

rotting wood

decaying leaves

fresh green leaves

sugary smell of maple leaves in the fall

fresh pine needles and pine resin

campfire smoke

Forest Adjectives

uninhabited

undisturbed

cathedral-like

sanctuary-like

flourishing

golden 

Do you know any good examples of how to describe a forest?

Do you enjoy describing settings, or is it something go back and do after a first draft? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

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4 thoughts on “ how to describe a forest setting…vividly ”.

Thank you, Bryn. I’m working on a series set in the Ozarks,, and a separate western time travel that I’m funneling through a critique group. All have forest scenes. Your lists will definitely come in handy. To answer your question, I write a skeleton rough draft first, then go back and fill in the details. I love adding descriptions to help the reader live in the scene.

Thanks for the romp through the forest, Bryn. I was going to add things about the forests in the Pacific Northwest, but my mind kept sneaking back to the Colorado Rockies of my childhood. Thundering waterfall, golden aspen interlaced with pine, gurgle of streams, hushed, rumble of rocks crashing down the mountain creek at spring run-off, “water” sound of wind in the tall pines, grunt of a bear, porcupine waddling up the mountain, leaping water, and people sounds and smells such as crackle of campfire, “ollie ollie ocks in free,” and from a song my sister and I wrote, “the smell of bread baking on rainy afternoons and sheets perfumed from drying in the sun.”

Thanks for the list Bryn. There are so many good choices here. I’ll keep it on hand. Take care.

wild berries/brambles, earthen path, lost road, natural spring, waterfall, faerie rings

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12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts

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

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.

16 Comments

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

Thanks, Rory!

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

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!

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!

#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.

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.

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.

these are really helpful

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

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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• Readers & Writers United (wk 46 2010 overview) « Elsie Stills - [...] 12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts (Stories – Tuesday 16 Nov.) [...]
• Writing Prompts: 37 Places to Find Them When You Need Inspiration - […] 12. 12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts […]
• Here are three inspirational activities to elevate a writer's creativity - Judy Kundert - […] get an idea of how nature can inspire your creativity, try these Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts from these 12…

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Writer In A Hat

Julia h dixon, author of speculative fiction., 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 Trees, Forests & Woodland In Fiction Writing
• 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.

Words for A Group Of Trees

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.

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.

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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One thought on “ How To Describe Trees, Forests & Woodland In Fiction Writing ”

perfect words

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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.

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.

Teachers, connect with Sharon on Facebook or Pinterest !

Frustrated that your students don’t finish an essay or don’t know the steps to complete one? Worry no more! Click here for my latest article in The Informer about a super-practical writing schedule you WILL use!

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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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19,903 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,965 themes

Trees - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• an apple tree
• being outdoorsy
• cherry tree
• conservation
• eucalyptus tree
• evergreen trees
• green leaves
• old growth forest
• rainforest plants
• temperate rainforest
• transpiration
• tree branches
• tree canopy
• tropical rainforest
• winter trees

The trees sang their greens as if they were a choir in that cathedral of summery blue.

A chorus of greens dance in a celebratory wind, each of them ever ignited by sunlight.

A jocund congregation of green waved in fragranced breeze, the lyrics of the trees, an ancient whispered song, sung for each passing soul.

Trees with ancient white-gold boughs reach ever upward in all weathers.

Trees of sunlit caramel hues, infused with serene and earthy tones, adorn the rising hill and spread their great arms heavenward.

The trees send their green glow into the ether, their calming perfume, their oxygen enriched air. How their roots spread into an embrace of the earth and their branches ever upward, embracing the heavens.

The Green Man is the guardian of the trees, we speak of him in so many cultures, the one who protects creation, who sees the wisdom in the cycle of living from death to rebirth.

Ever as I age, my pure child self sits safe and sound in the boughs of the 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.

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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

The Shelton Oak  by David Parkes – 19 th  century

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.

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

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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Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

10 Words to Describe a Woodland Setting

By A.W. Naves

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.

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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.

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 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

May 1, 2020 at 8:45 am

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

March 11, 2020 at 3:32 pm

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

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

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! 🙂

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!

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 […]

Talking Trees: Prompts for Writing Outside

“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, "they carried us:" exploring our literacy roots and routes with joy and genius, place-based writing in action: opportunities for authentic writing in the world beyond the classroom, the marginal syllabus: (re)marking on equity in education.

Descriptive Adjectives for Trees: Positive and Negative

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

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:

2. Lush Trees:

3. Whimsical Trees:

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:

Antonyms for 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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alpacinoutd Senior Member

Words to describe this tree.

Discussion in ' Word Mechanics ' started by alpacinoutd , Apr 21, 2020 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Hello everyone, As a writing practice, I have decided to describe this tree: I thought that maybe I could use the verb "rear up" here. What do you think? The tree rears up in all lushness, all glory. I thought I mention its age. It has seen it all. It has been standing here for hundreds of years. For hundreds of years, birds have been flitting on its topmost and low-hanging branches. Do you think I can say the tree is "world-weary" because it has seen it all? And then I thought I use the word "stoic" to suggest it has stoically tolerated all the forces of mother nature (wind, rain, snow, storm). What do you think?  

Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Hm... Rear up? Not for me, no. I see something very different. She's been around long enough to remember when the people spoke differently, lilted their words in another way. Clandestine lovers have sought her shade and her unquestionable confidence across the decades. The secrets she holds are as many as the leaves on her branches and those that carpet the dusty soil where she reclines into the landscape, her bones creaking, her face turned to the sun. We dance across the fields, our lives tiny and swift as starlings, where hers is immense and as slow as mountains.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Wreybies said: ↑ Hm... Rear up? Not for me, no. I see something very different. She's been around long enough to remember when the people spoke differently, lilted their words in another way. Clandestine lovers have sought her shade and her unquestionable confidence across the decades. The secrets she holds are as many as the leaves on her branches and those that carpet the dusty soil where she reclines into the landscape, her bones creaking, her face turned to the sun. We dance across the fields, our lives tiny and swift as starlings, where hers is immense and as slow as mountains. Click to expand...

OurJud Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); You seem to be making an awful lot of these 'describe it for me' posts. I do hope you're learning from them rather than just carbon copying the examples you like.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); OurJud said: ↑ You seem to be making an awful lot of these 'describe it for me' posts. I do hope you're learning from them rather than just carbon copying the examples you like. Click to expand...

Oxymaroon Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); 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. Olive trees can live a couple of thousand years; this one looks past its first few hundred. Depending on where it grows, you could mention some of the historical events it may have witnessed. Garibaldi may have leaned up against its trunk to take his midday cheese and wine; in its saplinghood, it may have watched Julius Caesar's troops march off to conquer Britain. Of course, how you describe landmarks must depend on the POV of the character and how they figure in his story.  

Xoic Prognosticator of Arcana Ridiculosum Contributor Blogerator

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); alpacinoutd said: ↑ For hundreds of years, birds has been flitting on its topmost and low-hanging branches. Click to expand...

Seven Crowns Moderator Staff Supporter Contributor Contest Winner 2022

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); A body positive Ent.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Oxymaroon said: ↑ 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. Olive trees can live a couple of thousand years; this one looks past its first few hundred. Depending on where it grows, you could mention some of the historical events it may have witnessed. Garibaldi may have leaned up against its trunk to take his midday cheese and wine; in its saplinghood, it may have watched Julius Caesar's troops march off to conquer Britain. Of course, how you describe landmarks must depend on the POV of the character and how they figure in his story. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); alpacinoutd said: ↑ Thanks. Good tips! But I don't seem to recall mentioning or using "gnarled"! Click to expand...

Aaron Smith Banned Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Looks like a mad wizard conjuring up black magic to me.  

Thorn Cylenchar Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); For more than two score decades she had watched over the rolling hills and valleys with calm patience. The changing seasons were a blink of the eye to her and she marveled at the brevity of the small, noisy creatures that walked, crawled, scampered, hopped, climbed and swooped among her branches. The wind, sun and rain where her companions, visiting to quench her thirst and feed her hunger, tickling her leaves and wrapping themselves around her old, twisted limbs like a dear friend. But she was getting old and she knew it, her branches had lost the smooth suppleness of youth and ascended slowly to ponderous immobility under the thick armor of the ages. But, she was satisfied, her children, and children's great great grand children clustered around her feet and spread out to the surrounding dells, providing homes and food for an innumerable number of the noisy creatures that seemed to rush headlong from birth through life before she was even really aware of them.  

matwoolf Banned Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Aaron Smith said: ↑ Looks like a mad wizard conjuring up black magic to me. Click to expand...

jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Thorn Cylenchar said: ↑ For more than two score decades she had watched over the rolling hills and valleys with calm patience. The changing seasons were a blink of the eye to her and she marveled at the brevity of the small, noisy creatures that walked, crawled, scampered, hopped, climbed and swooped among her branches. The wind, sun and rain where her companions, visiting to quench her thirst and feed her hunger, tickling her leaves and wrapping themselves around her old, twisted limbs like a dear friend. But she was getting old and she knew it, her branches had lost the smooth suppleness of youth and ascended slowly to ponderous immobility under the thick armor of the ages. But, she was satisfied, her children, and children's great great grand children clustered around her feet and spread out to the surrounding dells, providing homes and food for an innumerable number of the noisy creatures that seemed to rush headlong from birth through life before she was even really aware of them. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); jannert said: ↑ I really like that last sentence ...about how creatures live their lives before she's aware of them. Kind of like how we view insects, isn't it? Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); alpacinoutd said: ↑ If I were to go in a different direction, could I ascribe "aloofness" and "apathy" to a tree? Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); alpacinoutd said: ↑ I also like how it implies a sort of interconnectedness in nature between creatures but at the same time I get the feeling from your writing that the tree "is not" aloof and reluctant or apathetic. Well done! If I were to go in a different direction, could I ascribe "aloofness" and "apathy" to a tree? Like the tree does not care about any of the infinitesimal noisy creatures flitting in among her branches. What do you guys think? Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); One nice thing about squat trees is they aren't going to fall on your house. I had about a hundred footer in my back yard fall a few years ago when it was just short of tornado conditions outside, it hit the ground so hard it sounded like a massive explosion and felt like an earthquake. Luckily it fell across the yard diagonally and not right toward the house or there wouldn't be a house anymore. It just slapped the corner of the roof and dented the gutter a bit. I had to buy a chain saw and spend a year and a half cutting it up and chopping it into firewood. I got really freaked out for a while about big trees close to people's houses, and since then I've seen a few houses that got partially demolished that way in the neighborhood. A few people died that way, some in their beds, and there are houses still partially covered by big blue tarps they put on to keep the weather out until they can fix the damage. In fact, knowing that now, I can look at the overhead view in Google Maps and see those blue tarps on houses scattered all over the city.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Al, I hope you forgive me for posting these on your thread. Here's the corner of my roof. ... And here's the craziest thing—it fell right between the table and the tiki torch without damaging either one: This is from the cutting-up process. I'd describe it as a fallen dinosaur being dismantled:  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Xoic said: ↑ Al, I hope you forgive me for posting these on your thread. Here's the corner of my roof. ... And here's the craziest thing—it fell right between the table and the tiki torch without damaging either one: This is from the cutting-up process. I'd describe it as a fallen dinosaur being dismantled: Click to expand...

Iain Aschendale Lying, dog-faced pony Marine Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); That first pic looks like a bonsai tree writ large. I know that might seem like it doesn't make sense, but the true bonsai artists can, over the years, induce all sorts of odd proportions in their charges that would never occur in full-scale trees.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); Thanks for the pictures folks. You all live in beautiful leafy places! Do you think drawing a comparison between a tree and a woman might work? And likening her leaves to hair falling down her shoulders?  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_5f214a1b7cfd7f3fd5011d629e0dc4c0'); }); alpacinoutd said: ↑ Thanks for the pictures folks. You all live in beautiful leafy places! Do you think drawing a comparison between a tree and a woman might work? And likening her leaves to hair falling down her shoulders? Click to expand...

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A Dab of Glue Will Do

Little Learners, Big Ideas

PS PK K 1 2

Creative Writing Prompts For Under the Tree

I'd love it if you shared!

• Facebook 18
• Pinterest 7.4K

Our classrooms are filled with EVERYTHING Christmas this time of year.

There are so many different activities to do and play during this holiday season. Our little learners love finding out all there is to know about reindeers and completing their Reindeer Facts and Research activities .

They learn and review sight words with our EDITABLE Christmas themed activity and worksheets. And practice our numbers with our Christmas Tree Number Mats .

I enjoy hearing students are chatting away about how they decorated their trees and what they are hoping to find under their tree! The giggles and excitement are some of my fondest memories of this season.

We enjoy reading our stacks of Christmas Books to get us thinking about all the different ways to celebrate the season.

I love using Creative Writing Prompts in the classroom.  To connect writing with the holiday season, I’ve created this Under The Tree Creative Writing Prompt .

You know when you get your students thinking about what they are hoping for this Christmas, you will get a long and excited response.

Because talking about what they want and like is a great way to get kids learning  without realizing they’re learning.

Creative writing plays an important role in a student’s literacy development.

Looking for more ways to integrate Christmas into your lessons? Be sure to look at all of our Christmas Learning Activities .

Inside You’ll Find:

• 3D tree template
• Three differentiated printable writing options

Supply list for Gingerbread Rhyming Mats:

• paper or card stock
• Creative Writing Prompts For Under the Tree Template and Printable Writing Sheet (scroll down to download!)

Using the Creative Writing Prompts For Under the Tree

I recommend printing the tree template on cardstock. If not, the tree will have trouble standing.

Choose which writing template you will want your students to use and print a class set. Like the tree template, I find it easiest to use cardstock, but it is not a necessity with the writing paper like it is with the tree template.

First, you will want to have your students color their Christmas trees.  Of course, we focus on green trees in general, but let your students color whatever they prefer and decorate the trees as they see fit.

Next, they will cut out the two trees.  This is an excellent way to have them working on fine motor skills.

If you want to make sure the trees last longer, you can stop and laminate these before you put them together.  It takes just a bit longer but can make this a lasting project kids and parents will cherish. If you don’t have access to a laminating machine in your classroom, there are several simple laminating sheets or pouches that work in a pinch.

To get this freebie, use the ‘click here to download’ button at the bottom of this page.

After the trees are cut out, students will need to cut on the lines down the center of the tree. One will require students to cut from the top of the star down and the other one will have students cut from the bottom up.

Students will then place the two trees together like a jigsaw puzzle. The final product will be a 3D tree.

Either you or your students will tape the Christmas tree to the writing paper you will then use for your creative writing prompts.

I always found it easiest for me to do this part for my kindergarten students, but do what works best for you and your classroom.

Now it is time for the creative writing prompts!

Our little learners will think about what it is they want to see under their Christmas tree and write about it. Then students can illustrate their paper by drawing the things they wrote about by the tree.

These creative writing prompts are a great way to teach about spelling, sentence structure, and of course simple imaginative creative writing.

Your student will love sharing their wishlist, so it will be easier to engage them in the lesson!

Want More Christmas Literacy Ideas?

If you want to extend the Christmas theme across your literacy curriculum , check out our Christmas Match-Ups Bundle .

Download your Creative Writing Prompts for Under the Tree below!

If you can’t find a resource that you would LOVE to have for your classroom,  Contact me  and I would be happy to make it for you.

Click the button below to download. You will immediately be redirected to the freebie.

I hope that you and your students have fun with these Creative Writing Prompts for Under The Tree!

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Reader Interactions

15 comments.

November 26, 2016 at 8:58 pm

So cute! Thank you!

November 27, 2016 at 8:26 pm

This is gorgeous! What an awesome free resource to share – thank you!

November 21, 2019 at 6:14 pm

Creative Writing Prompts for Under The Tree! link isn’t working. It looks adorable

December 4, 2019 at 7:45 am

It’s too bad this is gone. I thought this was still an active blog!

December 4, 2019 at 1:44 pm

No worries, Jessica! I’ll email it to you! – Jennifer

December 4, 2019 at 8:03 am

Creative Writing Prompts for Under The Tree! link isn’t working.

December 4, 2019 at 1:46 pm

I’ll send it to your email address, Rachel! -Jennifer

July 8, 2020 at 8:48 am

Is there any way I can still get a copy of the Creative Writing Prompts For Under the Tree? It doesn’t seem to be working. Thank you!

November 28, 2022 at 12:42 pm

Can you please send the creative writing prompt, Under the tree? The link isn’t working on the webpage. Thank you!

December 8, 2022 at 2:28 am

Hi Melissa, it seems to be working now. After you click the download button you’ll enter your name and email. The download will be sent to your email, sometimes it gets sent to your spam or others folder so be sure to check there. If you’re using a school email they often block us from sending things to that email so you might want to use your personal email. Hope you enjoy it!

December 7, 2022 at 11:55 am

I can’t get the Under the Tree to send to me. Can you help? Thank you!

December 8, 2022 at 2:26 am

Hi Stacy, it seems to be working now. After you click the download button you’ll enter your name and email. The download will be sent to your email, sometimes it gets sent to your spam or others folder so be sure to check there. If you’re using a school email they often block us from sending things to that email so you might want to use your personal email. Hope you enjoy it!

[…] To strengthen our student’s writing skills, we get the creative juices flowing with our under the tree writing prompts. You can’t help smiling or laughing with their […]

[…] love celebrating Christmas time and wintertime in our classrooms with our Gingerbread Book and our Under the Christmas Tree Writing and our Christmas Lights Addition […]

[…] For December, we use these December-themed Science Experiments, these Gingerbread Rhyming Mats, and this Under the Christmas Tree Writing Center.  […]

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