Trees for Mum is a free national event inviting children of all ages to celebrate their mum and the beauty of life, by planting a tree in her honour.
The Trees for Mum program, which started as a small event in 2002 has grown into a national occasion with participants around Australia planting trees on Mother’s Day.
The History of Trees for Mum
Lauren Adlam and Deena Raphael brought Trees for Mum to life in May 2002. Both women lost mothers to cancer and were interested in doing something for other people who do not have mothers to celebrate with on Mother's Day. Trees for Mum was created to give motherless children of all ages the opportunity to remember their mum whilst planting a tree – a beautiful symbol of new life.
The first Trees for Mum event began with the support of Manly Council, Sydney and attracted over 150 people to Manly Lagoon Park to plant a commemorative tree. The following years the Trees for Mum program saw wider participation from councils across the Sydney metropolitan and has since expanded around Australia.
Interest from both participants and council supporters has encouraged the Trees for Mum program to grow. In recent years the program became a national celebration of all mothers. For those whose mothers have died, it’s a chance to remember. For those blessed to have a living mum, planting a tree is a lovely activity and a wonderful experience to share with family and friends.
The Future of Trees for Mum
After eight years of tirelessly working to bring Trees for Mum to life and with Denna now living in America and Lauren juggling kids, running a household and working, its only fair that someone else takes on the responsibility for organising future events. From 2010 Alecia Braven has kindly offered to do this, ensuring that the event continues. Ironically Alecia attended the first tree planting back in Manly in 2002 and planted the last tree on the day with Lauren and Deena. Alecia's mum also died of cancer at the young age of 40. Alecia brings renewed passion and enthusiasm which will take the event to new heights, reaching even more people in the community. Lauren will continue to assist Alecia with the promotion this fantastic event.
To date more than 20,000 people have participated in the Trees for Mum Mother’s Day program at over 100 planting sites across Australia. Please join us in planting a tree and supporting this great event.
Public plantings and private commemorations
In cooperation with municipal councils and environmental groups around Australia, motherless sons and motherless daughters can nurture the environment and remember and honour their mum with a celebratory Mother’s Day tree planting. For those people living outside councils hosting public plantings, participants can plant a native tree or flowers in a private garden. Visit a local garden centre to find a favourite native species or another variety suitable to local conditions.