diff --git a/references/trees/dead/README.md b/references/trees/dead/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9623d3b3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/references/trees/dead/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# 💀 Dead Tree References (Universal)
+
+**Tree Type:** Dead/Withered - Any biome
+**Seasonal Changes:** NO (already dead)
+
+---
+
+## Required References:
+
+### **Master References Needed:**
+- `dead_tree_default.png` - Standard dead tree
+- Optional: `dead_tree_burnt.png` - Charred (volcanic biome)
+
+### **Size Standards:**
+- Small Dead Tree: 96x96px
+- Medium Dead Tree: 160x160px
+- Large Dead Tree: 192x192px
+
+---
+
+## Visual Specifications:
+
+**Trunk:**
+- Color: `#696969` (Dim Gray)
+- Texture: Weathered, cracked
+- Features: Holes, missing bark pieces
+
+**Branches:**
+- Bare (NO leaves)
+- Broken/jagged ends
+- Tilted/bent (showing decay)
+- Some branches snapped off
+
+**Highlights:**
+- Color: `#D3D3D3` (Light Gray) - sun-bleached
+- Shadows: `#2F4F4F` (Dark Slate Gray)
+
+**Optional (Burnt Variant):**
+- Color: `#2F4F4F` (Dark Slate) + black char
+- Charred appearance
+- For volcanic/fire biomes
+
+---
+
+## Style Requirements:
+
+✅ **MUST HAVE:**
+- SMOOTH vector-style lines (NOT pixel art)
+- THICK 5px black outlines `#000000`
+- Flat cel shading
+- Weathered, spooky appearance
+- Transparent background
+
+❌ **NEVER:**
+- Any leaves/greenery
+- Healthy-looking bark
+- Pixelated
diff --git a/references/trees/oak/README.md b/references/trees/oak/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0208accae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/references/trees/oak/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+# 🌲 Oak Tree References (Deciduous)
+
+**Tree Type:** Oak - Broad-leafed deciduous tree
+**Seasonal Changes:** YES (4 seasons)
+
+---
+
+## Required References:
+
+### **Master References Needed:**
+- `oak_spring.png` - Light green leaves, fresh growth
+- `oak_summer.png` - Dark green full canopy
+- `oak_autumn.png` - Orange/red/yellow leaves
+- `oak_winter.png` - Bare branches, snow
+
+### **Size Standards:**
+- Small Oak (sapling): 96x96px
+- Medium Oak: 160x160px
+- Large Oak (ancient): 192x192px or 256x256px
+
+---
+
+## Visual Specifications:
+
+**Trunk:**
+- Color: `#8B4513` (Saddle Brown)
+- Texture: Simplified bark lines (3-5 vertical)
+- Style: Thick, chibi-proportioned
+
+**Leaves (Summer):**
+- Color: `#228B22` (Forest Green)
+- Style: Leaf clusters (NOT individual leaves)
+- Clusters: 5-10 leaves per shape
+
+**Autumn Colors:**
+- Orange: `#FF8C00`
+- Gold: `#FFD700`
+- Red: `#FF4500`
+
+**Winter:**
+- Bare branches visible
+- Snow on top: `#F0F8FF` (Alice Blue)
+- Optional icicles
+
+---
+
+## Style Requirements:
+
+✅ **MUST HAVE:**
+- SMOOTH vector-style lines (NOT pixel art)
+- THICK 5px black outlines `#000000`
+- Flat cel shading
+- Chibi cute proportions
+- Transparent background
+
+❌ **NEVER:**
+- Pixelated/chunky
+- Individual leaf sprites
+- Realistic textures
+- Thin outlines
diff --git a/references/trees/palm/README.md b/references/trees/palm/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d37d4784d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/references/trees/palm/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+# 🌴 Palm Tree References (Tropical)
+
+**Tree Type:** Palm - Tropical tree
+**Seasonal Changes:** MINIMAL (tropical climate)
+
+---
+
+## Required References:
+
+### **Master References Needed:**
+- `palm_default.png` - Standard palm tree
+- Optional: `palm_coconuts.png` - With fruit
+
+### **Size Standards:**
+- Small Palm: 96x96px
+- Medium Palm: 160x160px
+- Large Palm: 192x192px
+
+---
+
+## Visual Specifications:
+
+**Trunk:**
+- Color: `#CD853F` (Peru)
+- Texture: Curved/bent (characteristic palm shape)
+- Style: Textured bark rings (simplified)
+
+**Fronds (Leaves):**
+- Color: `#228B22` (Forest Green)
+- Count: 5-7 large fronds at top
+- Style: Fan-shaped, spreading outward
+
+**Optional Coconuts:**
+- Color: `#8B4513` (Saddle Brown)
+- Size: Small clusters
+- Position: Below frond crown
+
+---
+
+## Style Requirements:
+
+✅ **MUST HAVE:**
+- SMOOTH vector-style lines
+- THICK 5px black outlines `#000000`
+- Flat cel shading
+- Curved trunk (NOT straight like pine)
+- Transparent background
+
+❌ **NEVER:**
+- Pixelated
+- Individual leaves
+- Straight vertical trunk
diff --git a/references/trees/pine/README.md b/references/trees/pine/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..447720423
--- /dev/null
+++ b/references/trees/pine/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+# 🌲 Pine Tree References (Evergreen)
+
+**Tree Type:** Pine - Coniferous evergreen
+**Seasonal Changes:** NO (stays green, adds snow in winter)
+
+---
+
+## Required References:
+
+### **Master References Needed:**
+- `pine_default.png` - Standard green pine
+- `pine_winter.png` - Same tree with snow
+
+### **Size Standards:**
+- Small Pine: 96x96px
+- Medium Pine: 160x192px
+- Tall Pine: 192x256px (vertical)
+
+---
+
+## Visual Specifications:
+
+**Trunk:**
+- Color: `#8B4513` (Saddle Brown)
+- Style: Straight, vertical
+- Shape: Conical taper
+
+**Needles:**
+- Color: `#2E8B57` (Sea Green) - STAYS GREEN ALL YEAR
+- Style: Triangular tiers/layers
+- NOT individual needles - simplified clusters
+
+**Winter Addition:**
+- Snow accumulation on branches
+- Snow color: `#F0F8FF` (Alice Blue)
+- Heavier, snow-laden look
+
+---
+
+## Style Requirements:
+
+✅ **MUST HAVE:**
+- SMOOTH vector-style lines
+- THICK 5px black outlines `#000000`
+- Conical/triangular silhouette
+- Layered branch tiers
+- Transparent background
+
+❌ **NEVER:**
+- Pixelated
+- Realistic pine needles
+- Changing needle color (always green!)