As a compromise with the band's record label, "The Trees" was released as a double-A side with Pulp's preferred single choice, "Sunrise", on 8 October 2001.

Though commercially less successful than many of the band's previous singles, "The Trees" has since seen a positive critical reception and has been named by Pulp bassist Steve Mackey as the song that "encapsulates" We Love Life.

[1] "The Trees" samples the string arrangement from "Tell Her You Love Her," written by Stanley Myers and Hal Shaper.

[2] Earlier songs that were attempted with the string arrangement included "Cockroach Conversation" and "Otley" before being reworked into "The Trees" at the tail end of the We Love Life sessions.

[2]In reference to the song's first line, Cocker stated, "I'd like to point out that I've never shot an animal with an air rifle!