Did "Glee" actually plant a tree for Cory?

When Cory Monteith, one of the stars of popular TV show "Glee," passed away in 2013, the show's producers decided to honor his memory by planting a tree in his name. At the end of the season 5 episode titled "The Quarterback", the cast gathered around a tree with a plaque that read "Cory Monteith: Forever in our hearts, and Finn Hudson: Compassionate, decent, all-American hero". But did the show actually plant a real tree for Cory?

The controversy

Almost immediately after the episode aired, speculation began that the tree was not real. Fans who visited the supposed location of the tree in a public park in Burbank, California claimed that there was no tree there matching the one shown in the episode.

The controversy escalated when Tim Davis, a former vocal coach on "Glee," tweeted that "The Glee cast has 'planted' a memorial tree for Cory at a place that doesn't allow memorials. #talentedkids #nicegesture." He later removed the tweet and issued an apology, but the damage was done.

The truth

So, did "Glee" plant a real tree for Cory? The answer is yes and no.

According to the City of Burbank, there was no record of a tree being planted in the park in Cory's name by "Glee." However, the show's producers did indeed purchase a real tree (a Japanese maple) and had it planted on a private estate in Cory's memory. The estate belongs to the late executive producer of "Glee," who allowed the tree to be planted there.

The tree at the public park, which fans visited and photographed, was actually a fake tree made of silk. It was set up by the show's art department for filming purposes and was meant to be removed after the episode was completed.

The legacy

While the controversy over the "Glee" tree caused some upset among fans, it's important to remember that the real issue was Cory Monteith's untimely death. The actor died at the age of 31 from a drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy of talent and warmth that fans will never forget.

Whether or not the "Glee" tree was real, the sentiment behind it remains. The show's producers wanted to honor Cory's memory in a meaningful way, and they chose to do so with a lasting symbol of life and growth. Though the tree may not have been planted in the exact location fans were led to believe, the tribute was heartfelt and genuine.

In conclusion

The story of the "Glee" tree is one of mixed truths and good intentions. While the tree shown in the episode was fake and the "official" tree was not publicly accessible, the sentiment behind the tribute was real. Cory Monteith was a beloved actor and person who touched the lives of many, and anything that celebrates his memory is a positive thing.