Abstract: The tree is one of the common images used in the drawing test. The mainly analysis system of the tree in the projective test are the House–Tree–Person test and the Baumtest. But the manipulation and analysis methods of these two tests to tree are different. The tree–drawing test is valid and reliable. It reflects individual’s mental status and the interaction between a person and surroundings. It can test the pathological post–traumatic reactions, and distinguish special members from normal adults. For future studies, the tree–scar–trauma hypothesis should be further tested and improved its application in the field of disaster psychology. And the variety of culture should be considered, and the validity and standardization should be improved for developing the test. Let it play a big role in the clinical assessment and therapy.

Key words: Projective test, Baumtest, the House–Tree–Person test, tree–scar–trauma