Looking to learn how to draw a scary tree just in time for Halloween or a spooky storybook? You’re in the right place! This step-by-step tutorial is beginner-friendly and great for kids, parents, homeschoolers, and teachers. By the end of this guide, you’ll have your very own creepy tree that you can turn into a printable coloring page to share and enjoy.

Let’s grab our pencils and get started on this spooky adventure!

Step-by-Step: How to Draw a Scary Tree

Step 1: Draw the Tree Trunk

Start by drawing a tall, bumpy rectangle in the middle of your paper. It should be wide at the bottom and thinner at the top—kind of like an old bottle.

👉 Tip: Use a wiggly line instead of a straight one to make the trunk look old and spooky!

Step 2: Add the Ground

Draw a curvy line under the tree to show the ground. You can make it look like a little hill or bumpy dirt.

👉 Tip: Add tiny rocks or tufts of grass to make it look more realistic!

Step 3: Draw the Main Branches

From the top of the trunk, draw two thick, jagged arms stretching out—like spooky arms reaching out in the night!

👉 Tip: Make the branches twist and curve to look more haunted. Think of spaghetti noodles with sharp points!

Step 4: Add More Branches

Add more skinny, twisted branches coming off the big ones. Let some point up and some droop down.

👉 Tip: Use sharp angles and pointy tips to give it that scary look!

Step 5: Make the Tree Look Old

Draw lines on the trunk and branches to show bark and age. Add swirls and cracks.

👉 Tip: Wavy vertical lines can make your tree look even older and creepier!

Step 6: Add a Hollow

Draw a big circle or oval in the center of the trunk. This is the scary hollow where an owl or ghost might live!

👉 Tip: Shade it in or make jagged lines around the edge for extra spookiness.

Step 7: Draw Creepy Eyes (Optional)

Want to make it even scarier? Draw two glowing eyes peeking out of the hollow or between the branches!

👉 Tip: Yellow or red eyes will make your tree look alive—yikes!

Step 8: Add Hanging Details

Draw spooky things hanging from the branches—like little spider webs, bats, or dripping moss.

👉 Tip: Keep the shapes simple. Even zigzag lines can look like webs!

Step 9: Draw the Background (Optional)

Add a spooky moon, flying bats, or tombstones behind the tree.

👉 Tip: Use simple shapes like circles for the moon and triangle wings for bats.

Step 10: Review Your Drawing

Look at your scary tree and add any final details—extra lines, shadows, or textures.

👉 Tip: Don’t worry about perfection! The spookier, the better!

Final Touches

Time to make your tree stand out!

• Trace over your pencil lines with a black marker or pen.
• Carefully erase any extra pencil marks.
• You now have a bold, spooky tree that’s ready to shine!

Coloring Time!

Now the fun part—coloring!

• Use dark browns, grays, and blacks for the tree.
• Make the background sunset orange or midnight blue for extra mood.
• Get creative—purple bark or glowing green eyes? Go for it!

Want to print it? You can also leave your tree uncolored and use it as a coloring page for friends or family.

Conclusion

Awesome job! You’ve just learned how to draw a scary tree step by step. Whether you’re drawing for Halloween, a school project, or just for fun, spooky trees are a great way to explore your creativity. Keep practicing and try adding your tree to other drawings—like haunted houses or graveyards!

Don’t forget to check out our other fun and easy drawing tutorials—from pumpkins to ghosts and more!