Trees have played an immeasurable role throughout huɱaп history. From the fruit we eat to the ᴛι̇ɱber we build boats and houses from, we have developed complex relationships with these noblest of plants. It isn’t surprising, then, that so ɱaпy people choose to get a tree tattoo perɱaпently inked on their bodies.
From a willow tree stretched out across the wearer’s back, to a sequoia following the lines of the wearer’s leg, rising up their body, the placement of such tattoos for men can be tailored to anyone’s style and body shape.
The tree tattoos in this collection cover a variety of styles and approaches on a number of different canvases on the body and will give you a taste of what is possible with these powerful symbols as the subject matt
1. TREE OF LIFE TATTOO
This design represents the link between heaven and earth; life and the beyond. Therefore making a tree of life tattoo a great way to commemorate the circle of life with a positive and mystic symbol.
@dreamcatcher_tattoos / Instagram
2. PALM TREE TATTOO
Few things can perfectly capture the blissful relaxation of an island paradise like palm trees. For someone wanting to take a little bit of the island life with them wherever they go, palm tree tattoos are the perfect keepsake.
@mariiamfernandeztattoo / Instagram
3. SIMPLE TREE TATTOO
The best tattoos for men don’t always need to be full of hyper-realistic detail and complex designs. In fact, simple tree tattoos can be as chocked full of personal meaning as any large, intricate tattoo can be.
@paulsargent / Instagram
4. FAMILY TREE TATTOO
Used to illustrate genealogy for centuries, with their splitting branches and expanding foliage, trees are the perfect symbols of family ties. This gives family tree tattoos near-endless potential for family tattoo designs inspired by and in commemoration of the ones we hold dear.
@eric_moore_tattoos / Instagram
5. CHERRY BLOSSOM/SAKURA TREE TATTOO
Blooming, wilting, and falling to the ground, cherry blossoms symbolize the beauty and transience of life in Japanese culture and have been important elements in Japanese tattoos for centuries. Cherry blossom tree tattoos are the perfect reminder that all things enter the circle of life, even perɱaпent body art.
@ryanbrayart / Instagram
6. PINE TREE TATTOO
The unique distribution of trees in different parts of the world makes them powerful symbols of place, and ɱaпy people tie them to where they are from or where they have traveled. With their stark silhouettes, pine tree tattoos are perfect for commemoration of a specific place or ᴛι̇ɱe.
@joemammatattoos / Instagram
7. WILLOW TREE TATTOO
Instantly recognizable, willow trees conjure images of steamy New Orleans evenings overlooking the bayou. Such powerful imagery makes willow tree tattoos perfect for anyone that feels a connection to the backwaters and culture of the Big Easy.
@lovebloodinktattoos / Instagram
8. OAK TREE TATTOO
A powerful symbol of nobility, strength, and wisdom, the oak tree is a popular design choice for these looking to embody these traits. The size and familiar shape of these impressive trees also make oak tree tattoos as visually appealing as they are symbolic meaningful.
@vv_tattoo / Instagram
9. BONSAI TREE TATTOO
These diminutive trees are symbols of harmony, peace, and the order of nature, plus they’re just cool. Bonsai tree tattoos are an excellent choice for someone that holds dear these characteristics, or just enjoys the shape and lines of these unique arboreal examples of Japanese culture.
@elchambo_tattoo / Instagram
10. CELTIC TREE OF LIFE TATTOO
A symbol that has made its way into cultures around the world, the tree of life is particularly important in Celtic cultures. In these traditions, the tree represents the balance and harmony of nature. a good intention for anyone that wants to embrace their heritage and add a bit of balance to their life, through a Celtic tattoo design.
@tattoomija / Instagram
12. DEAD TREE TATTOO
Just as trees bloom, shed their leaves, and eventually die, so shall we. This symbolism makes dead tree tattoos powerful symbols of morality and can serve as memento mori designs, reminding the wearer that all things must pass.
@sebotis / Instagram
13. JOSHUA TREE TATTOO
If a palm tree represents the beach, then a joshua tree is the symbol of the desert. Looking like no other tree out there, joshua tree tattoos are perfect for anyone that feels a connection to the beautiful desolation of arid desert lands.
@coop_solidtattoo / Instagram
14. SMALL TREE TATTOO
Not every tattoo has to be big. In fact, small tree tattoos create an interesting contrast. By inking such a quintessentially large organism in such a tiny tattoo design, these tattoos create a symbol of the unity of all things, big and small.
@sergioalvarez633 / Instagram
15. PEACH TREE TATTOO
Few things can instantly evoke memories of a carefree childhood like the smell and taste of perfectly ripe fruit. For someone that grew up in peach country, a peach tree tattoo can serve as the perfect memorial to the innocence of youth.
@ben_there_tattoos / Instagram
16. OLIVE TREE TATTOO
A symbol of peace and friendship that has its roots firmly planted in history dating back to the ancient Greeks, olive tree tattoos can make for some stand-out designs. Whether in black and grey or vibrant color, the cultural significance of these trees is sure to shine through.
@prophecyink / Instagram
17. THE GIVING TREE TATTOO
An enigmatic children’s story that continues to puzzle and endear readers, The Giving Tree tattoos are a powerful way for the wearer to commemorate a story that taught them the importance of generosity and childlike wonder.
@milatoscanoink / Instagram
18. ASPEN TREE TATTOO
A lightweight wood that holds mythological and historical significance as a tree of heroes, it featured in Greek folklore and Celtic battles as a favorable material for armaments. In the hands of a talented artist, aspen tree tattoos can inspire the wearer in the face of adversity.
@the_dungeon_inc / Instagram
19. REDWOOD TREE TATTOO
The giant redwoods of Northern California are some of the largest trees on earth and powerful symbols for the surrounding ecosystem and the people who live there. For someone that wants to dedicate a bit of skin to their NoCal roots, it’s hard to top redwood tree tattoos.
@heatherbaldwintattoos / Instagram
19. GEOMETRIC TREE TATTOO
There’s something inherently appealing to designs that blend the beauty of nature with the mathematical perfection of geometry. When the underlying truth of geometry’s role in nature is born out in how trees grow, geometric tattoos become even more significant.
@tattoosbypirkko / Instagram
20. TREE OF GONDOR TATTOO
“Where was the Westfold when Gondor fell?” For any fan of the Lord of the Rings, the meaning behind this symbol needs no explanation. Whether you prefer the books or the movies, the tree of Gondor tattoos is a sure-fire way to show the world your passion for everything Tolkien.
@lina.larsen / Instagram