You’ve probably seen one hanging from a rearview mirror: a small, tree-shaped piece of scented cardboard that has become as familiar to car interiors as cup holders and dashboard vents. Little Trees come in dozens of fragrances, from Royal Pine to Black Ice, and have appeared in cars, trucks, taxis, and movies for decades.
But the story behind this iconic accessory starts with something far less glamorous than automotive design. It began with a milk truck, an unpleasant smell, and a chemist who found an unexpectedly successful way to make vehicles smell better.