How To Kill a Tree (what not to do when growing a tree)

This tongue-in-cheek diagram doesn’t actually teach you how to destroy trees—it highlights how small mistakes can slowly kill them. It’s funny, visual, and drives the point home better than a boring list ever could.

Marketing Analysis

This image works because it uses irony to teach. By flipping the message (“how to kill” instead of “how to care”), it instantly gets attention and makes viewers look twice. The humor makes the lesson stick.

Why It Works

• Uses reverse psychology to get attention
• Visual contrast: mistakes are exaggerated for clarity
• Humor builds memorability and shareability
• Teaches by showing, not telling

Examples

• “Dumb Ways to Die” rail safety campaign—catchy, dark humor boosted message recall 40%
• Allstate’s “Mayhem” ads—showing what not to do sold billions in insurance
• IKEA’s “Lamp Recycled” ad—twist ending reframed the whole message instantly