September: Tree Books and Jokes

Leaf It to Us: Tree Jokes, Books, and Fun for Curious Kids (and Grown-Ups Too!)

It’s September. You know, that time of year somewhere between sunscreen and school supplies, with just enough summer magic still hanging in the air. Whether you’re a parent counting down the days (no judgment) or a kid squeezing in the last few summer bedtimes before class starts, this one is for you!

Part joke book, part reading list, part Charlotte-inspired tree appreciation. No tests. No grades. Just fun, facts, and a few leafy laughs.

Tell Me a Tree Joke

Let’s kick things off with a laugh. Whether you’re telling these at the dinner table or saving them for recess duty, they’re guaranteed to get a chuckle (or maybe just a groan)

Why do trees hate tests?
Because they get stumped.
What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree.
How do trees access the internet?
They log on.
Do you want a brief explanation of an acorn?
In a nutshell, it’s an oak tree.
What did the beaver say to the tree?
It’s been nice gnawing you!
Where do saplings go to learn?
Elementree school.

Bonus challenge: Ask your child if they can make up their own tree joke.

Bonus bonus challenge: Can you survive it being told 28 times this week?

Read, Learn, Grow: Tree-Themed Books We Love

We’ve got you covered if you are looking for bedtime stories or an interesting book to read after shuffling the kids to their evening sports. And the good news is, you can still read these books even while you wait for soccer practice to be over.

Here a few of our favorite tree-themed books for all ages:

Picture Books

“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein
A timeless tale about love, generosity, and growing up.
“Because of an Acorn” by Lola M. Schaefer
A beautifully illustrated look at how big ecosystems begin with small things.
“A Tree Is Nice” by Janice May Udry
A gentle, classic reminder of the joy trees bring to everyday life.
“Pilu of the Woods” by Mai K. Nguyen
Pilu loves the woods and goes on an adventure while learning to cope with her emotions.

Chapter Books

“Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne
We admit this one is not tree-themed per se, but a tree is essential to the storyline. Time travel, adventure, and a literal magic tree house? These books are perfect for early readers ready to explore the world.
“Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate
A wise old oak narrates this thoughtful story about friendship, community, and what it means to take root.

For Grown-Ups

“The Overstory” by Richard Powers

A poetic, sweeping novel about trees and the people who fight to protect them.

“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben
This nonfiction favorite explores how trees communicate, support each other, and form underground social networks.

Explore Outside (No Permission Slip Required)

Before the school year kicks into high gear, take a little time to connect with nature, right here in Charlotte.

Go on a tree treasure hunt. How many different bark textures or leaf shapes can you find in your neighborhood or back yard? Persimmon tree bark is one of our favorites.
Name your favorite neighborhood tree. Is it wise, like Bark Twain? Fabulous like Treeoncé? Adventurous like Flora the Explorer? You decide.
Explore the Tree by Tree map. It’s an excellent way for kids and adults to learn what’s growing right outside their door.

Plant a Tree Together: The Ultimate Extra Credit

Back-to-school season is all about growth. So why not plant something together?

Charlotte Landscape Management offers FREE TREES to residents. Yes, we’ll even do the planting. Your family gets a new leafy neighbor, and the whole city gets a little cooler (literally).

Stay Curious. Be Tree-mendous.

If you’re back in school for fall now, or mentally 100% in summer mode, we hope this little tree break gave you a laugh, a new book to read, or a fresh way to enjoy the outdoors.

Happy end of summer from your friends at Landscape Management!