Since 1989, the "Tree of the Year" board of trustees has drawn attention to 18 tree species that are of importance for various fields. The overview briefly outlines the reasons for the selection by the Board of Trustees as well as some tree and wood characteristics. Part 1 presents the trees from 1989 to 1997: English oak (Quercus robur L.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), large-leaved linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.), mountain elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.), sparrow-grass (Sorbus domestica L. ), yew (Taxus baccata L.), Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), rowan ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.)