Small farmers in Jamaica have a distinct attitude toward the cultivation of trees in contrast to the growing of herbs, vines and shrubs. Their attitude toward trees is directly related to property relations as these are embodied in different forms of control over land. It is well-known that tenant cultivators do nor in general plant or "save" trees. This is a significant fact. A decision not to grow trees eliminates many useful plants from cultivation irrespective of their actual domestic and commercial value. The full consequences of this is, of course, dependent on the social importance of trees to Jamaicans. This paper seeks to show the importance of trees to Jamaicans and to indicate the social reasons why small farmers choose not to plant them and to destroy wild seedlings that spring up in their fields.