Beneath the city of Melbourne, an untold story of arboreal affection unfolds. These are the Submerged trees. Did you know Melbourne has given email addresses to 70,000 trees? In 2013, city officials assigned ID numbers and email addresses to the trees. This was for residents to report issues like dangerous branches.
An unintended consequence emerged. People began sending whimsical letters to their favorite trees. One such letter was to Green Leaf Elm, Tree ID 1022165. The writer shared their exam anxieties. The tree responded offering inspiration for learning.
Melbourne’s initiative involves mapping every tree in the city. It allows residents to interact on a digital platform. They can report a tree dropping limbs. The council can then easily locate the tree and intervene. Instead, people began sending personal messages to the trees.
One person wrote to a tree. They confessed their love for it. They thanked it for protecting them from the sun. Another apologized when their dog peed on it. Former residents emailed trees expressing how much they missed them. English elms even received questions about the Ashes series.
One person wrote to Weeping Myrtle, Tree ID 1494392. They noticed it didn’t have many friends nearby. They thanked it for providing oxygen. Another person wrote to Gum, Tree ID 1032002. They expressed their longing for its scent.
A decade later, Melburnians still pen love letters to trees. The city receives about three letters a week. One Melburnian wrote to a tree on Park Road. They mentioned their driving instructor who loved that tree. Juliana and her team respond to the emails. They use humor and tree puns.
The Urban Forest project has become a Melbourne tradition. It connects people with the city’s trees. So next time you’re in Melbourne, consider writing a letter to a tree. Share your thoughts, your dreams, or simply express your gratitude. You might be surprised by the response you receive from the Submerged trees.