Greenwashed Tree
| Greenwashed Tree | |
|---|---|
 Crowds gathering around the mural | |
 | |
| Artist | Banksy |
| Year | 2024 |
| Medium | Paint |
| Location |
|
Greenwashed Tree is a 2024 mural by graffiti artist Banksy. It appeared on the side of a building on Hornsey Road in north London during the early morning of 18 March 2024, with Banksy confirming it to be his work shortly after.[1][2]
Description
[edit]The mural uses green paint to depict the leaves of a tree, with a figure standing below depicted holding a paint sprayer. The mural is positioned on the side of a residential building behind a tree that had recently been heavily pollarded. The mural was installed on the night of St Patrick's Day, known for its association with the colour green.[1]
Response
[edit]Commenters suggested the work was a criticism on the excessive pruning that had been undertaken on the tree.[3] Others, including Jeremy Corbyn, saw the work as a broader criticism on the damage being done to the environment. Further still, that the work is a criticism of greenwashing, a term for misleading claims of environmentally-friendly practices for marketing purposes. Other potential issues commenters saw the mural as aiming to confront include the general lack of greenery in certain urban areas.[4]
Within days of being put up, the mural was vandalised with white paint,[5] and protective fences were put in place, followed by plastic and boards by the building's owner. A spokesperson for Islington Council announced plans to install protection that would still allow public viewing of the mural.[6][7] As of 2026, the mural remains visible and protected, although damaged.[8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 laboureau, sebastien (3 May 2025). "Greenwashed Tree, 18 March 2024". Banksy Explained. Archived from the original on 20 April 2026. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ "Banksy: Artist confirms new London tree mural is his own work". BBC News. 18 March 2024. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ "Banksy artwork creates urban tree debate, says pruning firm boss". BBC News. 19 March 2024. Archived from the original on 15 September 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ "What's the meaning behind Banksy's new London tree mural?". The Independent. 19 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 May 2026. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ Hall, Rachel (20 March 2024). "New Banksy tree mural in north London defaced with white paint". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ "Banksy: London tree mural covered in plastic and boards". BBC News. 27 March 2024. Archived from the original on 15 December 2025. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ "Banksy tree mural that sprouted in London is fenced off after apparent vandalism". AP News. 27 March 2024. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
- ↑ Donna (23 July 2026). "Banksy Locations in London: 23 Surviving Works to Visit". GraffitiStreet. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
