From today's NYTs: "To christen his 2-acre property in Southampton,
Gary Wexler wanted something grand for his front yard, something that
bespoke sophistication, culture and permanence. After all, this was
the social jungle of the Hamptons, where the carpet-like grass
advertises a homeowner's cachet as much as the Hummer he drives and the
caterers he hires. So Mr. Wexler chose a fully grown copper beech
valued at $50,000. (snip) In the Hamptons, where many people already
have trophy wives and trophy houses, the trophy tree is becoming the
latest must-have accouterment in the game of landscaping
one-upmanship."

Later in the article, tree fashion is discussed, and japanese maples
are described as last year's fad; this year it is chocolate mimosa.