The Tree is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Lori McKenna, released on July 20, 2018, through CN Records.

Speaking to Boston Globe, McKenna referred to "People Get Old" as the "anchor" of the record but that she felt it was inappropriate for the title of the album, deciding on "The Tree" after recognising how much that song said about family.

If you had your kids young enough like I did, you have a point in life where your kids are leaving the house at the same time that your parents start showing signs of needing more help" and added that co-writing the title track with, Natalie Hemby and Aaron Raitiere was a "joyous" experience and that "We wanted it to be about how your family is there for you; even during the times of your life where you are not authentically yourself, you haven’t figured yourself out, that family structure in some silent way is still there for you while you’re figuring it all out.

said that "Lori McKenna's poetic stanzas are picturesque and her messages are spiritually sacred and sincere", calling her songwriting captivating and fascinating.

[2] Michael Hann wrote for The Guardian that Dave Cobb's production and McKenna's lyrics complemented each other well, concluding The Tree to be an "album for grown-ups, contemplative and wise".