volunteer tree
A tree, not planted by human hands, that begins to grow on residential or commercial property. Unlike trees that are brought in and installed on property, volunteer trees usually spring up on their own from seeds placed onto the ground by natural causes or accidental transport by people. Normally, volunteer trees are considered weeds and removed, but many desirable and attractive specimens have gone on to become permanent residents on many public and private grounds.
The beautiful, giant Red Maple comfortably shielded Claire from the sun as she sat on her back porch. It was nearly 55 years ago that the maple started life as a volunteer tree in her backyard, growing from the soil where a small wooden shed once stood.