60 Small Tree Tattoos For Men – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Trees are known as the ultimate symbol for majestic beauty and enduring strength over time. They make a solemn and dignified choice for a small tattoo design.

Since the beginning of recorded history, trees have been regarded as some of the most radiant and graceful members of the natural world.

Trees are the essential providers of that most basic element of our survival,  oxygen. Without trees, we simply wouldn’t exist.

In various traditions, various types of trees have  different spiritual meanings. For example, the apple tree represents abundance while the ash tree represents sacrifice. A talented professional tattoo artist can help you design a small tree tattoo to express the symbolic message you hope to convey in ink.

No matter which kind of exquisite tree you choose, the following gallery of the top 60 small tree tattoo ideas will help provide inspiration for your next tattoo design.

1. Small Tree Tattoos for the Ankle and Lower Leg

2. Animal Framed Small Tree Tattoos

3. Illustrative Small Tree Tattoo Art

4. Geometric Small Tree Tattoos

5. Technical Small Tree Tattoo Designs

6. Small Thicket of Trees Tattoos

7. Unique Small Tree Tattoo Ideas

8. Small Palm Tree Tattoo Ideas

9. Eastern Influenced Small Tree Tattoo Designs

10. Single Small Tree Tattoo Designs

11. Small Tree of Life Tattoo Ideas

Small Tree Tattoo FAQs

What do tree tattoos symbolize?

Traditionally, tree tattoos symbolize knowledge, growth and wisdom. Other representation of the tree in body art includes: nourishment, immortality, fertility and freedom.

Many tree tattoos – particularly popular in Celtic tattoo culture – incorporate the tree of life, often demonstrated by circular tree artwork with branches and roots intertwined.

What does a tree of life tattoo symbolize?

The Tree of Life is a symbol known as an archetype. This tree provides a physical representation of the divine nature of all life, representing the interconnected nature of the world, with all the different life on this planet falling under the eaves of this mystical tree. 

Evidence of this tree design concept has been found in Ancient Egypt as well as featuring prominently in the Celtic culture of Ireland (Crann Bethadh), and Scandinavia (Yggdrasil). The Tree of Life is also found in a number of sacred traditions from the Fertile Crescent, in what is now modern day Iraq and Syria.

Similar imagery with parallel symbolism can be found in the pre-Colombian cultures in Meso-America and North America hinting at some deeper connection to this concept.

How much does a small tree tattoo cost?

Tattoo pricing can range from the shop minimum of $50-$80 for the smallest designs. It costs on average $150-$200 for an hour for more complex work.

Highly skilled, in demand artists can charge up to $500 per hour, while apprentices and less skilled artists are as little as $75.00 per hour.

It’s best to communicate clearly with your chosen artist on the framework for pricing prior to sitting in the chair to prevent misunderstandings.

A 15% tip is the average but 20% for quality work is usually recommended.