NatureBeginnerRecently Updated

How to Draw a Tree: Easy Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

Learn how to draw a tree with our easy beginner-level tutorial. Step-by-step instructions, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Sketchso Team
6 min read
Published: October 25, 2025

About Drawing Trees

From simple cartoon trees to realistic oaks, learn to capture the essence of various tree types.

This beginner-level tutorial will teach you everything you need to know to draw a beautiful tree.

Basic Shapes You'll Need

Trunk cylinder/rectangleCloud-like foliageBranch patternsRoot shapes

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Draw the trunk tapering upward
  2. 2Add main branches splitting from trunk
  3. 3Create foliage shapes around branches
  4. 4Add texture to trunk bark
  5. 5Include ground shadow or roots

Pro Tips

  • 💡Branches get thinner as they split
  • 💡Foliage has depth and shadows
  • 💡No tree is perfectly symmetrical
  • 💡Study different tree species

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lollipop-shaped trees
  • Branches same thickness throughout
  • No visible branch structure
  • Perfectly round foliage

How do you draw a tree?

To draw a tree: Draw the trunk tapering upward. Add main branches splitting from trunk. Create foliage shapes around branches. The key shapes are trunk cylinder/rectangle and cloud-like foliage.

Related Tutorials

Want Perfect Tree Proportions?

Use Sketchso to convert any tree photo into a traceable outline.

Try Sketchso Free

Sarah M. created a portrait sketch from New York

2 minutes ago