Outdoor sign
TREE
Plant the elbow of an open hand on your other arm and wiggle the fingers
How to Sign “Tree” Step by Step
The ASL sign for tree plant the elbow of an open hand on your other arm and wiggle the fingers — like leaves in the wind.
Like leaves in the wind. Get your hands into position before starting the motion.
Plant the elbow of an open hand on your other arm and wiggle the fingers.
Repeat the motion two times so the sign reads clearly. That’s tree.
Memory trick for parents: Picture the motion: like leaves in the wind. The mime is the meaning.
When to Use the Sign for “Tree” With Your Baby
Use the sign for tree naturally throughout the day:
- During the moments when tree comes up in your routine
- When reading books that feature tree
- Pair with more and please for early sentences
What Your Toddler’s Version Will Look Like
Expect a friendly approximation at first — refinement comes with practice:
- A simplified one-handed version of the motion
- Pointing at the thing and looking at you
- A baby-babble approximation of “tree”
If the gesture is consistent and means “tree”, honor it — respond as if they said the word. The tidy adult version comes later.
Mistakes to avoid when modeling the sign
- Don’t rush the motion — pause for eye contact before signing.
- Keep the handshape consistent so baby can copy it.
- Always say the word out loud while you sign — the pairing is what teaches.
Signs to Learn Next
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my baby copy the sign for tree?
Most babies begin approximating this sign around 14–18 months. Honor any clear approximation as a real attempt.
What if my toddler uses a simpler version of tree?
That’s exactly what you want at first — respond as if they signed it perfectly. The adult form will refine on its own with steady modeling.