Thousands of trees were given ID numbers and email addresses so locals could report any problems, but soon love letters to the trees began to pour in from around the world. From Melbournians thanking the trees for providing air, to a child asking what it feels like when leaves fall off, the trees have received over 3000 emails. Coming from as far as Russia, Germany, the US, the UK, Hungary, Moldova, Singapore, Brazil, Denmark and Hong Kong, the letters often ask questions of the trees.

 

'How old are you?' is one commonly asked , while other writers request photos of the trees they are conversing¹ with. The most emailed tree is a Golden Elm on busy Punt Road, who was described by one person as The Magic Faraway Tree, from Enid Blyton's childhood classic.

 

'You are my favorite tree in all of Melbourne! Even if you do need a little bit of help under that great leafy canopy²', wrote one nature enthusiast³.

 

'Do you remember when I used to drive by you?' asked L in their letter.

 

'You are my favorite tree, even though you make me stoop over during my morning run when you grow too big', emailed another to the Golden Elm.

 

Sometimes if people are so lucky, the trees respond to questions asked in emails. 'So lovely to be appreciated. I am lucky to be well looked after', the Golden Elm wrote in response to one letter.

 

Chair of the City of Melbourne's Environment Portfolio⁴ Cr Arron Wood said the initiative was launched in an effort to save hundreds of trees lost to droughts. 'Melbourne has long been regarded as Australia's 'garden city', but 13 years of drought in tandem⁵ with severe water restrictions⁶ left the City's urban forest in a state of unprecedented⁷ decline,' he said. 'By 2009, 40 per cent of our significant trees were declining or dying.'

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